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THIS  BOOK  IS  DUE  ON  THE  DATO 
INDICATED  BELOW  AND  IS  SUB- 
JECT TO  AN  OVERDUE  FINE  AS 
POSTED  AT  THE  CIRCULATION 
DESK. 


:s 


APR  2  6  1989 


Digitized  by  tine  Internet  Arciiive 

in  2009  witii  funding  from 

NCSU  Libraries 


littp://www.arcli  ive.org/details/flowergardenorbrOObrec 


FLOWER-GARDEN; 


OK, 


BEECK'S  BOOK  OF  FLOWERS; 


IN  WHICH  ARE  DESCRIBED 


ALL   THE  VARIOUS   HARDY   HERBACEOUS   PERENNIALS,   AN- 
NUALS, SHRUBBY  PLANTS,  AND  EVERGREEN  TREES, 
DESIRABLE  FOR  ORNAMENTAL  PURPOSES, 


WITH  DIRECTIONS  FOR  THEIR  CULTIVATION. 


BY   JOSEPH    BRECK, 

SEEDSMAN   ANB  FLORIST,  AND   FORMER   EDITOR  OF   THE   NEW   ENGLAND   FARMER  AND   THB 
HORTICULTURAL  REGISTER. 


BOSTON: 

PUBLISHED  BY  JOHN  P.  JEWETT  &  COAn>ANY, 

Nos.    17   &   19   Cornhill. 

1851. 


Kntered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1851,  by 

JOHN    P.   JEWETT   &    CO., 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Couil  of  the  District  of  Massachusetts. 


Slcreotvpcd    by 

HOBART     &     ROBBINS, 

NEW   EXGLAND   TYPE   AND   STEREOTVpE    FOL'MDEKV, 

BOSTON'. 


INTRODUCTION. 


The  object  of  this  volume  is  the  diffusion  of  general  knowl- 
edge and  practical  information  in  relation  to  the  floral  kingdom, 
particularly  for  hardy  trees,  shrubs  and  plants,  desirable  for 
the  embellishment  of  the  flower-garden  and  pleasure-ground. 
It  is  not  designed  as  a  scientific  treatise  for  those  far  advanced 
in  the  knowledge  of  plants,  but  for  new  beginners,  who  are  just 
entering  the  temple  of  Flora;  or  as  a  book  of  reference  to 
those  who  have  but  little  time  for  research,  and  who  desire 
some  simple  instructions  as  to  the  mode  of  culture,  or  descrip- 
tion of  the  habits,  of  plants  or  seeds  which  they  may  wish  to 
grow.  That  it  may  be  more  acceptable  to  the  great  majority, 
technical  descriptions  have  been  avoided  as  much  as  possible. 
We  consider  it  important  that  plants  should  be  generally  known 
by  their  scientific  name,  as  this  is  universal,  while  the  common 
name  is  only  local ;  we  have,  therefore,  given  precedence  to 
the  botanical  name,  and  followed  with  the  common  name, 
where  any  has  been  known.  Some  work  of  this  kind,  it  has 
often  appeared  to  me,  was  much  needed.  It  has  often  been 
called  for,  in  my  business  as  seedsman.  Customers  will  pur- 
chase a  quantity  of  seeds,  not  knowing,  perhaps,  anything  about 


38139 


IV  INTRODUCTION. 

their  habits,  cultivation,  or  treatment,  or  that  there  should  be 
any  difference  in  their  management.  Having  had  long  expe- 
rience in  the  cultivation,  as  well  as  the  sale,  of  seeds  and 
plants,  it  is  expected  that  every  inquiry  should  be  promptly  and 
correctly  answered,  in  good  humor,  and  as  part  of  the  trade; 
this  it  is  always  pleasant  to  do  when  there  is  not  a  press  of 
business ;  but  sometimes  this  is  rather  trying.  This  book, 
therefore,  may  be  said  to  have  been  partly  written  in  self- 
defence,  or,  more  properly  speaking,  to  give  all  needed  instruc- 
tions deliberately  and  correctly,  instead  of  doing  it  in  a  hurry. 
The  low  price  of  the  book  will  bring  it  within  the  reach  of 
almost  every  person. 

It  was  thought  desirable  to  bring  to  notice  many  of  our  beau- 
tiful indigenous  plants  and  shrubs,  as  worthy  of  cultivation.  A 
handsome  flower-garden  may  be  made  of  these  alone ;  many 
of  them  are  within  the  reach  of  every  one,  and  may  be  obtained 
without  money  and  without  price.  The  care  and  trouble  is 
all  the  outlay,  and  this  may  be  offset  by  the  pleasure  derived 
in  collecting  them  from  the  fields,  woods,  or  meadows. 

The  time  of  flowering  and  directions  for  sowing  seeds,  hardi- 
ness, &c.,  correspond  to  the  meridian  of  Boston ;  but  those  in 
different  latitudes  will  find  no  difficulty  in  making  the  proper 
allowance  for  the  difference  in  location. 

The  plan  of  this  work  was  devised  twenty  years  ago,  and 
more  than  three  hundred  pages  of  closely  written  letter-paper 
prepared  for  it ;  but  it  was  found,  in  the  diffuse  manner  in  which 
it  was  commenced,  that  it  would  require  a  thousand  pages  to 
complete  it,  and,  as  other  business  interfered,  it  was  abandoned. 


INTRODUCTION.  V 

In  looking  over  this  old  manuscript,  we  found  that  so  many 
new  plants  had  been  introduced,  and  such  improvements  had 
been  made  in  numerous  species,  that  it  would  be  of  but  little  use 
in  this  work.  It  was,  however,  to  some  small  extent,  incorpo- 
rated into  it.  Many  articles  on  various  subjects  have  appeared, 
from  time  to  time,  in  the  Horticultural  Register,  New  England 
Farmer  and  the  Horticulturist,  either  with  my  own  signature  or 
initials,  or  under  some  fictitious  one.  These  communications 
have  been  revised,  discarding  what  did  not  agree  with  present 
experience,  or  opinion,  and  making  such  alterations  and  addi- 
tions as  the  progress  in  floriculture  demanded ;  and  these  have 
afforded  material  for  this  book.  With  few  exceptions,  I  have 
been  as  familiar  with  the  plants  described  as  with  household 
friends,  and  believe  the  directions  given  will  not  lead  any  one 
astray.  I  do  not  claim  all  as  original,  having  culled  from  a 
great  variety  of  books  and  periodicals,  English  and  American. 
To  Loudon's  Encyclopedia  of  Plants,  and  other  works,  I  am 
indebted  for  the  historj''  of  many  plants,  and  the  origin  of  their 
generic  or  specific  names.  Mr.  Emerson's  excellent  work  on 
the  "  Trees  of  Massachusetts"  has  assisted  me  in  the  descrip- 
tion of  many  shrubs  and  trees,  to  whom  credit  has  been  given 
in  the  body  of  the  work.  Dr.  T.  W.  Harris's  treatise  on  the 
"Insects  of  Massachusetts  Injurious  to  Vegetation,"  has  fur- 
nished me  with  the  history  and  habits  of  the  Rose-Bug  and 
other  insects.  Extracts  have  been  made  from  Downing's 
"  Horticulturist,"  from  Parsons  "  On  the  Rose,"  and  hints  from 
"  Hovey's  Magazine,"  and  from  various  other  books  and 
periodicals. 

1# 


VI  mTRODUCTION. 

For  the  poetry  interspersed  throughout  this  volume,  I  have 
drawn  largely  on  "  Flora  Domestica,"  a  pleasant  English 
work. 

In  the  directions  for  making  walks,  laying  box  edgings, 
&c.,  J  am  indebted  to  an  experienced  gardener,  and  to  Mr. 
McMahon's  old  work  on  gardening,  in  connection  with  my 
own  experience  and  observation. 

J.  B. 

Boston,  Feb.  14,  1851. 


GENERAL   INDEX. 


Pago. 
Annuals,  cultivation  of, 33 

sowing  seed  of, 36 

descriptive  list  of, 161 

Biennials,  culture  of, 33 

descriptive  list  of, 44 

Bulbous  roots,  general  cultivation  of, 34 

descriptive  list  of,  &c., 44 

Bulbs,  directions  for  flowering  in  glasses, 82 

Flowers,  the  importance  of  their  cultivation, 13 

selecting  for  the  flower-garden, 25 

old-fashioned  do., 28 

Flower-garden,  laying  out, 17 

Flowering  plants,  selection  of, 25 

Edging,  best  plants  for,  and  laying,      23 

Evergreen  trees,  descriptive  list  of, 308 

Garden  walks,  how  to  construct, 20 

Herbaceous  plants,  how  to  propagate, 35 

descriptive  list  of, 85 

Insects  injurious  to  the  rose,  &c., 327 

Lawns,  mode  of  constructing, 31 

Native  plants  recommended, 26 

Perennials,  cultivation  of, 33 

propagation  of, 36 

descriptive  list  of, 85 

Rock-work,  remarks  on, 30 

Rose,  267  ;  soil  for,  274  ;  planting,  276  ;  pruning,  277  ;  propagation  of, 

278  ;  tree, 280 

Rose,  China,  Tea,  and  Noisette,  284  ;  musk.  Macartney,  microphylla, 
285  ;  summer,  286 ;  everblooming,  Bourbon,  283 ;  remontant, 
282  ;  moss,  236  ;  climbing,  238  ;  Boursalt,  289  ;  prairie,  289  ; 
Ayrshire,  290  ;   multiflora,  292  ;    Gerarde's  account  of,  292  ;   to 

obtain  odors  from,      293 

Rose  Slug,  327  ;   remedy  for, 331 

Bug, 333 

Chafer, 333 

Saw-fly, 328 

Shrubs,  on  the  cultivation  of  deciduous  and  evergreen, 40 

proper  season  for  planting, 41 

■ soil  and  situation  for, 42 

descriptive  list  of, 216 

Thrips,  or  vine-fretters, 3.32 

Whale-oil  soap,      332 


BULBOUS-ROOTED  PLANTS. 


Amaryllis, 46 

Anemone,      44 

description  of  a  fine  double 

one, 45 

soil,  situation,  and  plant- 
ing,      45 

Bidbous-rooled    plants,    descriptive 

list  of, 44 

Bulbous  perennials, 34 


Bulbs,   directions  for  flowering    in 

glasses,      S2 

Corn  Flag, 54 

Crown  Imperial,     52 

Crocus, 47 

Dahlia, 47 

propagation  of, 48 

preparation  of  soil  for,  .    .    .  48 

preserving  roots, 50 


VIU 


GENERAL   INDEX. 


Daffodil, 67 

English  Iris, CO 

Feathered  Hyacinth, 59 

Feraria 51 

Flower-de-luce, 59 

Fritillaria, 52 

Galantlius, 53 

Garden  Hyacinth, 55 

Gladiolus,      54 

Grape  Hyacinth,      59 

Guinea  hen  flower,     53 

Iris, 59 

Susiana, 60 

Xiphioides, 60 

Jonquille, 67 

Leucojum, 54 

Liliuni,      61 

Lily, 61 

Muscari, 59 


Narcissus, 67 

PcEony, 63 

Persian  Fritillaria,      53 

Poet's  Narcissus, 68 

Polyanthus  Narcissus, 68 

Ranunculus, 72 

directions   for    cultiva- 
tion  73 

Hoop-petticoat  Narcissus,    ....  68 

Hyacinth,      55 

planting, 57 

Snowdrop, 53 

Spanish  Iris, 60 

Tree  Poeony, 70 

Tiger  flower, 51 

Tuberose, 74 

Tulip, 75 

Wind  flower, 44 


PERENNIAL,  BIENNIAL,  HERBACEOUS,  BORDER,  AND  OTHER 

FLOWERS. 

Coreopsis 106 

Corydalis, 108 


Achillea,     

Aconitum, 85 


Aclrea, 

Adam's  Needle, 159 

Adonis, 87 

»Alyssum, 87 

Althcea, 87 

Anemone, 90 

Amsonia, 91  [J)elpliinium 

Antirrhinum, 91 

Aquilegia, 92 

■«*A.rmeria, 93 

*^ster,  .  2^ 93 

Asclepias, 94 

Auricula, 148 

Balm, 136 

Baptisia, 96 

Bellis, 97 

Bell  flower, 97 


86  J^ynoglossum, 109 


Bitter  Vetch, 

Blootlroot, 152 

Blue  Catananche, 100 

Buttercup, 150 

-s^Hanterliury  Bells, 98 

.Candytuft,      . 126 

Cardinal  flower, 129 

Cardamine, 100 

Carnation  Pink, 112 

Cassia 100 

Catananche, 100 

Cantua, 120 

Chelone,      102 

-•Chrysanthemum, 101 

China  Pink, 114 

Clematis, 103 


Cyprepedium, 109 

Cowslip,      149 

Dame's  Violet, 123 

Day  Lily, 124 

Daisy,      ^.    .   f..^.   .    .    97 

4)ianlhus, ill 

Dictamnus 115 

•i)igitalis,     .    .f  /  t    ;H'.    .    .    .    .  116 

Dodecatheon,      117 

Dog's-tooth  Violet, 118 

Dracocephalum, 117 

Dragon's-head, 117 

Epilohium, 118 

Erythronium, 118 

•Euphorbia,     ?. 119 

13S  '^upatorium, 119 


Evening  Primrose, 137 

Everlasting  Pea, 128 

•^i^everfew, 150 

Fleur-de-luce, 126 

-Foxglove,    .  I.  ^.    .   .    * 116 

Fraxinella,      115 

Funkia, 125 

Fumitory, 103 

Garden  Rocket, 123 

Gentiana, 120 

Gerardia, 120 

Geranium, 122 

Globe  Flower, 155 

Golden  Rod, 153 

Glycine, 121 

"^Dolunibinc. 92  j  (Tpound-nut, 121 

Convallaria, 105    Hepatica, 123 

Coronilla, lOGi  Hesperis, 123 


GENERAL    INDEX, 


IX 


Helianthus, 124 

Hemerocalis,      124 

Hibiscus, 125 

Honesty, 132 

Horned  Poppy,      122 

Hollj'hock, 87 

Hypericum, _.   ,    .    .  126 

Jberis,      ?.  .    .   C  f  •;  '".  '^.  ■  .-"  T  I    .126 

Ipomopsis, 120 

Iris,      126 

Jacob's  Ladder, 147 

Lady's  Slipper,      109 

Lathyrus, 12S 

Lamium, ^j^.t.,-    •    '129 

■  Larkspur,  1  .   T  ?  •■:  ^.'V  .    .^  :\ .  109 

Lily  of  the  Valley, 105 

London  Pride, 135 

Loose  Strife, 135 

Lobelia, 129 

Lunaria,      132 

Lungwort, 149 

Lupin, 132 

Lysaniachia 135 

Lythrum, 136 

Malva, 136 

Maryland  Cassia, 100 

Mallows, 136 

Milfoil, 85 

Monarda, 136 

Monkshood, 85 

Mornin?  Glory, 106 

Mullen  Pink,     86 

Navelwort, 109 

CEnothera,      137 

Orchis, 137 

Orobus, 138 

Pansy 157 

Papaver,      138 

Pasque  Flower, 90 

Pentstemon,       139 

•Phlox,      M 140 

early  varieties, 141 


Phlox,  summer  do 142 

late  do 144 

raised  from  seed 146 

Periwinkle, 156 

Pink, Ill 

Polemonium, 147 

Polyanthus, 148 

Poppy, 138 

Potentilla, 147 

Primrose, 148 

Primula,      148 

Pulmonaria, 149 

■Pyrethrum, 150 

Sabl)atia, 151 

Sanguinaria, 152 

Sarracenia, 151 

Saxifraga,       152 

Sea  Lavender, 154 

Side-saddle  Flower, 151 

Snap  Dragon, 91 

Solidago, 153 

Solomon's  Seal, 105 

Speedwell,      156 

Spirsea, 153 

Spider  wort, 154 

Spurge, 119 

St.  John's-wort, 126 

Sunflower,      124 

Swallow-wort, 94 

.iSweet  William, 114 

Thrift, 93 

Thorough-wort, 119 

Tradescaatia, 154 

Trollius,      155 

Valerian, 155 

Veronica 156 

Vinca,      156 

Virgin's  Bower, 103 

Viola, "157 

Willow  Herb, 136 

Wolfsbane, 85 


ANNUALS. 


Adonis, 161 

African  Hibiscus, 184 

Alyssum, 161 

Alonsoa, 162 

_Amaranthus,      162 

Amaranth, 182 

Amethyst, 166 

Ammobium 164 

Animated  Oat,      165 

Anagalis, 164 

Apple  of  Peru 177 

Argemofl£, 162 

-^ster,  A 164 

A vena,     165 

Balsam  Apple, 190 

Pear, 200 

balsam, 185 

Balloon  Vine, 168 


Bartonia, 165 

Basil, 202 

Brachycome, 166 

Browallia, 166 

Briza, 166 

Cacalia, 166 

•Calendula, 167 

Calandrinia, 167 

Calampelis, 167 

■California  Poppy, 171 

£alliopsis, 168 

Callistemne,       164 

Caterpillar, 196 

Catchfly, 210 

Cardiospermum, 163 

Campanula, 169 

Candytuft 185 

I  Canna, 169 


GENERAL    INDEX. 


Canary-bird  Flower, 

Celosia, 

-Centaurea,     .'  . !\^ 5  H ^f  ti ' ' . ^:>.'  . 

China  Pink, 

China  Aster, 

Chriseis, 

Chrysanthemum, 

■il!larkia, 

Clintonia, 

Cleome, 

Cobae,     

"Gocliscomb, 

Coix, 

•^Coreopsis, 163,  175, 

Colinsia, 

Coinmelina, 

Convolvulus,      

Crepis, 

Cj'press  Vine, 

Ecremocarpus, 

Erysimum, 

Eschscholtzia, 

Eutoca, 

-Jiuphorhia,  2. 

EveilastinEf  Flower 

Evening  Primrose, 

"^Forget-me-not, 

"Gaillardia,      

German  Aster, 

Gillyflower, 

Gilia 

Globe  Amaranth, 

-»Gomphrena, 

Godetia, 

Hedgehog 

Helianthus, 

-Helichrysum, 

Hibiscus 

—■Hvacintji  Bean.  .  .  ._.  ^.  .  . 
-fheris,     7  X.    .    .    . ' ."  i  ">  '. ' !    i 

Ice  Plant, 

Impatiens, 

Indian  Pink, 

Indian  Cress, 

Shot, 

Ipomea, 

Job's  Tears, ,    .    .   .    . 

•"Larkspur,  ♦,  .\  '.  '.  '.■■.  '.'   /  .  ',    . 

Lathyrus, 

Leptosiphon,     

Lasihenia, 

Lavatera, 

Limatithus, 

Loasa, 

Lophospernum, 

Love  in  a  Mist, 

Love  in  a  I'utf, . 

Love-lies-bleeding, 

Liipinus, 

Madia, 

Malope, 

—.Marigold, 


213 

170 
171 
HI 
164 
171 
172 
173 
174 
174 
175 
171 
172 
176 
175 
176 
177 
177 
1S6 
167 
181 
171 
179 
179 
184 
202 
200 
181 
164 
194 
181 
182 
182 
183 
196 
183 
184 
184 
179 
1,55 
196 
185 
HI 
212 
169 
186 


Martynea, 193 

Marvel  of  Peru, 199 

Mathiola, 194 

Maurandia, 193 

Medicago, 195 

Mesembryanthemum, 196 

Mimosa, 196 

Mignonette, 207 

Mimulus, 197 

Mirabilis,       199 

Monkey  Flower, 197 

Momordica, 199 

Morning  Glory, 177 

Mourning  Bride, 208 

Myosotis, 200 

■*Jasturtium, 212 

Nemophila, 200 

Nigella, 201 

Nolana, 201 

Nun's  Whipping-rope, 163 

Ocyiium, 202 

CEnothera,      202 

Palestine  Mustard, 181 

Pansy, 157 

Papaver, 2ii3 

Phaseolus, 203 

Platysteinon,      205 

Poppy, 203 

*hlox,      .  t 205 

-Portulacca, 200 

Pot  Marygold, 167 

Primrose, 183 

Purple-eyed  Crepis, 177 

Quaking  Grass, 166 

Resede, 207 

Rodanthe, 207 

Salpiglossis, 207 

Scabious, 208 

Scarlet-flowering  Bean,  .....  205 

Scarlet  Morning  Glory 187 

"Schizanthus    209 

Schizopetalon, 209 

Sensitive  Plant, 196 

Snails, 196 

Sphosnogyne, 210 

Senecio, 210 

Silene, 210 

Swan's  Daisy, 166 

Sunflower, 183 

-6weet  Pea, 188 

Tagates,      201 

Thorn  Apple, 177 

■Thunbergia,       212 

Tricolor, 102 

Tropaeoium, 212 

Unicorn  Plant, 193 

Variegated  Euphorbia, 180 

Verbena, 213 

Venus  Looking-glass, 169 

Viola, 157,  214 

Zeranthemum, 215 

'*inma, 215 


GENERAL  INDEX. 


HARDY  SHRUBS 

^sculus, 216 

Acuba 216 

Allhae  frutes, 241 

Almond,  double-flowering,      .    .    .  219 

Auiorpha, 217 

Amelanchier, 217 

American  Rose  Bay 254 

Amygdalus, 21S 

Anipelopsis, 210 

Andromeda, 220 

Aristolochia, 220 

A5.h 239 

Ash,  weeping, 239 

Azalea 220 

Bladder  Senna, 230 

Barberry 222 

Beech,  purple-flowering,     ....  233 

Berberis, 222 

Bignonia, 223,  301 

Birlhwort, 220 

Box, 224 

Bramble, 294 

Broom, 296 

Buffalo  Tree, 295 

Buxus, 224 

Buckthorn, 257 

Catalpa, 224 

Calycanlhus 224 

Caprifolium, 225 

Carolina  Allspice, 223 

Ceanolhus, 226 

Celastrus, 227 

Clematis, 103 

Climbing  Staff, 227 

Cerasus, 228 

Cercis, 229 

Cherry,  double-flowering,  ....  228 

Chioiianthus, 229 

Clethra, 230 

Colutea, 230 

Corchorrus, 244 

Cornus, 230 

Cranberry  Tree, 305 

Crataegus, 232 

Crab  Apple, 256 

Currant, 264 

double-flownring,     ....  264 

Cydonia, 233 

Cytisus,      234 

Daphne, 235 

Deutzia, 235 

Diervilla, 236 

Dirca, 236 

Dogwood, 231 

Elreagnus, 236 

Elder, 295 

English  Ivy, 240 

Epigfea, 237 

Euonymus, 237 

Fagus 238 

Feverbush, 244 

Flowering  Raspberry,     295 


AND  LOW  TREES. 

Fraxinus, 239 

Fringe  Tree, 229 

Gold-dust  Tree, 216 

Ground  Laurel,      237 

Halesia, 239 

Hedera, 240 

Hibiscus, 241 

Holly,     '. 241 

Honeysuckle, 225,  247 

Horse  Chestnut, 246 

Ilex, 241 

Indigo  Shrub, ■  .    .    .217 

Ivy,  English, 240 

Ivy,  poisonous, 254 

Japan  Quince, 233 

.ludas  Tree, 220 

Kalmia, 242 

Kerria, 244 

Laburnum, 234 

Laurus, 244 

Laurel, "...  242 

Lavender, 244 

Leatherwood, 236 

Liguslrum 246 

Lilac, 300 

Lonicera, 247 

Locust, 265 

Lycium, 247 

Magnolia, 248 

iMazerion, 235 

Mahonia, 251 

Oleaster, 236 

Paulownia, 251 

Pa3ony, 253 

Pear, 255 

Peach,  double-flowering,     ....  218 

Philadelphus, 253 

Plum,       254 

Poison  Sumach, 263 

Ivy, 263 

Prunus, 254 

Privet, 246 

Pyrus,      255 

Purple  Beech, 238 

Red  Bud, 229 

llhamnus 257 

Rhododendron, 258 

Rhodora, 261 

Ribes,      264 

Robinia, 265 

Rose  Acacia,  .    .    .   •• 266 

Rose, 267 

Bay, 258 

poetical  extracts  on,      .    .    .263 

soil  for, 274 

situation  for, 275 

propagation  of, 278 

classification, 280 

Ruhu.s, 294 

Sambucus,  Shepardia, 295 

Shad  Bush, 217 

Snowberry, 300 


GENERAL    INDEX. 


Snowball, 303 

Snowdrop, 239 

Spartium, 296 

Spiraea, 296 

Sumach,      261 

Poison, 263 

Strawberry  Tree, 237 

Symphora, 300 

Syringa, 253,  300 

Tartarean  Honeysuckle,      ....  247 


Tecoma, 301 

Tree  Paeony, 253 

Trumpet  Flower,      223,  301 

Venetian  Sumach, 262 

Viburnum,      303 

Virginian  Creeper, 219 

Wayfaring  Tree, 304 

Weigela, 305 

Weeping  Ash, 239 

Wistaria, 305 


EVERGREEN  TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 


Abies  canadensis, 313 

nigra,   315 

alba, 316 

communis,      316 

pulcherrima, 317 

Douglassii, 317 

Arbor  vitse, 322 

Auricaria  imbricata, 326 

Austrian  Pine, 312 

Box, 224 

Cedar, 322,  324 

Cedar  of  Lebanon, 320 

Chilian  Pine, 322 

Cupressus,      323 

sempervirens,    ....  324 

thyoides, 324 

Cypress,     323 

Deodara  Cedar, 325 

EpigSEa, 237 

Euonymous, 238 

Fir  Balsam, 318 

Hacmatack, 319 

Hedera, 240 

Holly,      241 

Ilex, 241 

Ivy,  English,      240 

.Tuniper, 324 

Juniperus  Virginiana, 324 

communis, 325 

Kalmia, 242 


Magnolia, 248 

Mahonia, 251 

Larch,  Scotch, 319 

American, 319 

Cedar  of  Lebanon,  ....  320 

Larix, 319 

Norway  Pine, 311 

Norway  Spruce, 316 

Picea  balsamifera, 318 

Fraseri 319 

Pine  family 311 

Pinus,      313 

sabiniana, 312 

pinaster, 312 

ponderso, 312 

Lambertiana, 312 

Austrica, 312 

strobus, 311 

resinosus, 311 

sylvestris, 311 

Pitch-pine, 311 

Rhododendron,      258 

Scotch  Pine, 311 

Spruce, 313 

Black 315 

White 316 

Norway, 316 


Swiss  Pine, 313 

Thuya  occidentalis, 322 

White  Pine, 311 


CLIMBING  PLANTS. 


Ampelopsis, 

Aristolochia,      

Balloon  Vine, 

Bignonia, 

Caprifolium, 

Canary-bird  Flower, 

Cardiospermum, 

Celastrus, 

Clematis, 

Cobce, 

Corydalis 

Convolvulus, 106, 

Cypress  Vine, 

Dolichos, 

Glycine,      

Honeysuckle, 

Hedera, 


186, 


Ivy,  English, 240 

Poison, 204 

Lathyrus, 128 

Loasa 190 

Lophospermum, 191 

Lycium, 247 

Maurandia, 193 

Moniordica, 199 

Nasturtium, 212 

Phaseolus, 205 

Pipe  Vine,      210 

Thunbergia, 212 

Troposolum, 212 

Trumpet  Flower, 223 

Vinca, 156 

Virginian  Creeper,       219 

Waxwork, 227 

Wistaria, 306 


BOOK  OF  FLOWEKS 


ON  THE  IMPORTANCE  OF  THE  CULTIVATION 
OF  FLOWERS. 

"  How  exquisitely  sweet 
This  rich  display  of  flowers,  — 
This  airy  wild  of  fragrance, 
So  lovely  to  the  eye, 
And  to  the  sense  so  sweet !  " 

"  And  round  about  he  taught  sweet  flowers  to  grow." 

"  Flowers  !  The  cultivation  of  flowers,"  say  some ;  "  of 
what  use  ?  It  neither  gives  us  meat,  drink,  nor  clothing." 
Well,  supposing  it  does  not  ?  Shall  we  not  turn  our  thoughts 
to  something  else  besides  corn  and  potatoes,  and  the  produc- 
tions of  the  earth  which  only  keep  soul  and  body  together  ? 
Is  there  no  mind  to  feed  and  delight  ?  Shall  we  always  be 
plodding  ?  Will  it  always  be  the  inquiry,  "  What  shall  we 
eat,  and  what  shall  we  drink,  and  wherewithal  shall  we  be 
clothed  ?  "  Must  care  and  business  always  engross  the  whole 
mind  ?  The  earth,  the  seas,  and  skies,  are  full  of  the  wonders 
of  God's  beautiful  creation.  Shall  we  close  our  eyes,  stop  our 
ears,  and  be  dumb,  when  there  is  such  an  endless  profusion 
around  us,  to  delight,  to  cheer,  and  soothe  us  ?  We  need  not 
compass  sea  and  land  for  our  gratification ;  the  means  are 
within  the  reach  of  every  one  for  innocent  and  healthy  relax- 
ation. It  lies  around  us  ;  it  is  at  our  feet ;  "  it  may  be  found 
in  the  garden,  where,  in  the  beginning,  everything  pleasant  to 
the  sight"  was  congregated. 
2 

Lihrary 
N.   C.   State   Collesre 


14  breck's  book  of  floweks. 

Flower-gardens  were  ever  held  in  high  estimation  by  persons 
of  taste.  Emperors  and  kings  have,  been  delighted  with  the 
expansion  of  flowers ;  and  a  more  exalted  personage  than  the 
highest  on  earth,  called  the  attention  of  his  followers  to  the 
beauty  of  flowers,  when  he  said,  "  Consider  the  lilies  of  the 
field,  how  they  grow;  they  toil  not,  neither  do  they  spin,  and 
yet  I  say  unto  you,  that  even  Solomon  in  all  his  glory  was  not 
arrayed  like  one  of  these."  Nature,  in  her  gay  attire,  unfolds 
a  vast  variety  which  is  pleasing  to  the  human  mind,  and,  con- 
sequently, has  a  tendency  to  tranquillize  the  agitated  passions, 
and  exhilarate  the  man,  —  nerve  the  imagination,  and  render 
all  around  him  delightful.  Who,  that  has  been  confined  to  the 
business  of  the  day,  toiling  and  laboring  in  the  "  sweat  of  his 
brow,"  does  not  feel  invigorated  and  refreshed,  as  he  takes 
his  walk  in  the  cool  of  the  evening,  with  the  happy  family 
group  about  him,  and  marks  the  progress  of  his  fruits  and 
flowers  ?  Or  who,  that  breathes  the  delicious  fragrance  of  the 
morning  flowers,  glittering  with  dew,  but  can  look  up  with 
greater  confidence  to  Him  who  has  strewed,  with  such  liberal 
profusion,  in  every  direction,  the  evidences  of  his  goodness  to 
the  children  of  men  ? 

"The  cultivation  of  flowers  is  an  employment  adapted  to 
every  grade,  the  high  and  the  low,  the  rich  and  the  poor;  and 
especially  to  those  who  have  retired  from  the  busy  scenes  of 
active  life.  Man  was  never  made  to  rust  out  in  idleness.  A 
degree  of  exercise  is  as  necessary  for  the  preservation  of  health, 
both  of  body  and  mind,  as  food.  And  what  exercise  is  more 
fit  for  him,  who  is  in  the  decline  of  life,  than  that  of  superin- 
tending a  well-ordered  garden  ?  What  more  enlivens  the 
sinking  mind  ?  What  more  invigorates  the  feeble  frame  ? 
What  is  more  conducive  to  a  long  life  ? 

"  The  pleasure  derived  from  a  fine  collection  of  flowers 
requires  no  comment,  only  that  the  more  varied  and  perpetual 
the  flowering,  the  greater  is  the  gratification  to  the  observer. 
The  moral  lesson  that  can  be  obtained  from  flowers  also  forms 
another  fine  characteristic  in  the  flower-garden  ;  for  flowers  not 


CULTIVATION    OF    FLOWERS.  15 

only  please  the  eye  and  gratify  the  passing  observer,  but  con- 
tain a  beauty  in  their  structure,  in  the  most  minute  parts  and 
coloring,  that  conveys  a  pleasing  and  natural  lesson  to  the  most 
accurate  and  intelligent  observer,  with  everything  to  please  and 
nothing  to  offend. 

Who,  that  was  blessed  with  parents  that  indulged  themselves 
and  children  with  a  flower-garden,  can  forget  the  happy,  inno- 
cent hours  spent  in  its  cultivation  ?  O  !  who  can  forget  those 
days,  when,  to  announce  a  bud,  or  the  coloring  of  a  tulip,  or 
the  opening  of  a  rose,  or  the  perfection  of  a  full-blown  peony, 
was  glor\"  enough  for  one  morning  ? 

"  Who  can  forget  the  vine  planted  by  his  mother's  own  hand 
when  he  was  a  little  child  ?  Its  tendrils  now  cling  to  the  top- 
most branches  of  a  tall  tree  in  the  front  yard  ;  and  he  never 
revisits  the  scene  of  his  childhood,  without  gratifying  some  of 
the  holiest  emotions  of  his  nature,  by  sitting  under  its  shelter, 
and  recalling  the  earliest  and  happiest  associations  of  his  life. 
And  there,  too,  clinging  about  the  columns  of  the  porch,  is  the 
coral  honeysuckle,  shading  the  evening  window  with  its  rich 
and  delicate  clusters  of  flowers ;  and  at  every  footstep  along 
the  border,  are  the  many-hued  flowers  planted  by  a  sister. 

"It  has  been  said  by  travellers  that  they  could  distinguish  a 
pure-minded  and  more  intelligent  family,  from  the  appearance 
of  the  house  and  grounds  in  this  particular.  The  difference 
was  striking,  —  the  house  of  the  more  intelligent  was  sur- 
rounded with  flowers  —  the  windows  displayed  them  —  vines 
were  twined  with  care  and  taste  over  the  dwelling.  Another 
presents  a  different  spectacle.  The  weeds  and  briers  are 
allowed  to  hold  their  dominion.  In  short,  Solomon's  picture 
of  the  garden  of  the  sluggard  is  exactly  verified. 

"  The  cultivation  and  study  of  flowers  appears  more  suited 
to  females  than  to  man.  They  resemble  them  in  their  fra- 
gilitj^  beautjr,  and  perishable  nature.  The  Mimosa  may  be 
likened  to  a  pure-minded  and  delicate  woman,  who  shrinks 
even  from  the  breath  of  contamination ;  and  who,  if  assailed 
too  rudely  by  the  finger  of  scorn  and  reproach,  will  wither  and 
die  from  the  shock." 


16  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

"  A  taste  for  trees,  and  plants,  and  flowers,  is  the  love  an 
enlightened  mind  and  a  tender  heart  pay  to  nature.  It  is  a 
peculiar  attribute  of  woman,  exhibiting  the  gentleness  and 
purity  of  her  sex ;  and  every  husband  should  encourage  it ;  for 
his  wife  and  daughters  will  prove  wiser,  and  happier,  and  bet- 
ter, by  its  cultivation.  Who  does  not  venerate  and  love  some 
tree,  or  rose,  or  honeysuckle,  planted,  it  may  be,  by  the  hand 
of  some  absent  or  departed  mother,  or  sister,  or  brother  ?  and 
who  would  not  protect  them  with  a  holy  reverence,  as  memen- 
toes of  a  hallowed  love  as  well  as  contributors  to  the  gratifica- 
tion of  an  elegant  taste  ?  What  can  be  more  grateful  to  the 
merchant,  or  man  of  any  professional  business,  than  to  recreate 
for  a  short  time  in  a  well-selected  collection  of  flowers,  neatly 
arranged  and  cultivated  ?  Every  one  either  engages  his  atten- 
tion by  its  fragrance,  color,  or  its  peculiar  character ;  and  many, 
as  the  rose,  white  lily,  &c.,  embrace  everything  to  attract  our 
most  ardent  desires." 

In  reply  to  the  question  often  asked.  What  is  the  use  of 
flowers  ?  Cobbett  asks  another  :  What  is  the  use  of  anything  ? 
There  are  a  variety  of  things  pleasing  to  the  eye  of  man,  — 
some  of  them  expensive  and  not  within  the  reach  of  all ;  but 
flowers  may,  without  much  expense,  be  possessed  by  the  hum- 
blest individual.  Their  cultivation  may  be  made  one  source 
of  happiness  to  the  family.  Let  heads  of  families  gather 
around  them  every  source  of  innocent  amusement  and  recre- 
ation for  their  children.  They  should  endeavor  to  make  their 
home  attractive  and  lovely,  in  doors  and  out,  —  a  paradise,  if 
possible. 


LAYING  OUT  THE  FLOWER-GARDEN. 

"And  the  sinuous  paths  of  lawn  and  moss, 
Which  led  through  the  garden  along  and  across  ; 
Some  opened  at  once  to  the  sun  and  the  breeze,  — 
Some  lost  among  bowers  of  blossoming  trees,  — 
Were  all  paved  with  daisies  and  delicate  bells. 
As  fair  as  the  fabulous  asphodels  ; 
And  flowerets  which,  drooping  as  day  drooped  too, 
Fell  into  pavilions,  white,  purple,  and  blue. 
To  roof  the  glow-worm  from  the  evening  dew." 

Situation.  —  As  to  the  situation  of  a  garden,  it  is  not  always 
in  our  power  to  choose.  A  level  plat,  however,  is  to  be  pre- 
ferred ;  for,  if  there  be  considerable  descent,  the  heavy  rains 
will  wash  away  the  soil.  A  southern  aspect,  sheltered  from 
the  north  and  west  winds,  is  a  proper  situation  for  most  plants. 
An  inclination  to  the  north,  or  west,  or  any  point  between  them, 
should,  if  possible,  be  avoided.  It  should  be  situated  contig- 
uous or  near  the  dwelling-house,  and  well  exposed  to  the  sun 
and  air,  that  the  culture  of  the  more  curious  and  valuable 
flowers  may  be  treated  with  the  best  sticcess. 

Soil.  —  The  soil  should  be  a  deep,  rich  loam.  If  not  natu- 
rally so,  it  must  be  made  rich  and  deep  by  trenching  and 
manuring,  by  carting  away  poor  soil  and  bringing  on  good.  If 
naturally  heavy,  it  should  be  made  light  with  a  more  sandy 
soil ;  or,  if  too  light,  it  should  be  improved  by  a  mixture  of  that 
which  is  more  heavjr. 

The  ground  should  be  trenched  two  spades  deep,  or  from 
twelve  to  sixteen  inches,  according  to  the  quality  of  the  sub- 
soil. If  the  subsoil  is  poor,  the  depth  of  the  mould  must  be 
made  by  carting  on  such  substances  as  are  most  needed  to 
correct  the  bad  qualities  of  the  soil.  A  compost,  made  of 
decomposed  green  sward  from  a  pasture,  and  old,  rotten  ma- 
nure, would,  in  most  cases,  be  the  best  application  to  increase 
the  depth  of  the  soil. 


18  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

If  the  ground  allotted  for  the  flower-garden  is  inclined  to  be 
wet,  or  springy,  it  should  be  thoroughly  drained  by  ditches  or 
drains  so  deep  underground  as  not  to  interfere  with  cultivation. 
A  location,  having  a  gravelly  subsoil  and  exposed  to  drought, 
should  be  avoided,  if  possible.  In  a  word,  what  is  wanted  is  a 
deep,  rich  soil,  natural  or  artificial,  not  too  wet,  nor  too  dry. 

Laying  out  the  Garden.  —  In  giving  directions  for  laying 
out  a  flower-garden,  it  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  it  is  not  the 
design  of  the  writer  to  give  elaborate  plans  for  extensive  pleas- 
ure grounds ;  as  those  who  are  able  or  disposed  to  indulge 
themselves  in  this  great  luxury,  will,  probably,  consult  the  sci- 
entific landscape  gardener,  or  derive  their  information  from 
other  sources  within  their  reach,  rather  than  from  a  work  writ- 
ten particularly  for  the  multitude,  whose  means  may  be  more 
or  less  limited. 

"Neatness  should  be  the  prevailing  characteristic  of  a  flower- 
garden,  which  should  be  so  situated  as  to  form  an  ornamental 
appendage  to  the  house  ;  and,  when  circumstances  will  admit, 
placed  before  windows  exposed  to  a  southern  or  south-eastern 
aspect.  The  principle  on  which  it  is  laid  out  ought  to  be  that 
of  exhibiting  a  variety  of  colors  and  forms  so  blended  as  to  pro- 
duce one  beautiful  whole.  In  a  small  flower-garden,  viewed 
from  the  windows  of  the  house,  this  eflfect  is  best  produced  by 
beds,  or  borders,  formed  on  the  side  of  each  other,  and  parallel 
to  the  windows  from  whence  they  are  seen ;  as,  by  that  position, 
the  colors  show  themselves  to  the  best  advantage.  In  a  retired 
part  of  the  garden  a  rustic  seat  maybe  formed,  over  and  around 
which  honeysuckles,  and  other  sweet  and  ornamental  creepers 
and  climbers,  may  be  trained  on  trellises,  so  as  to  afford  a  pleas- 
ant retirement." 

In  laying  out  a  flower-garden,  it  is  best  to  have  the  work  all 
completed  by  the  middle  of  October,  that  it  may  be  in  read- 
iness to  receive  bulbous,  and  many  of  the  herbaceous  and  other 
plants,  and  such  shrubs  as  are  hardy  enough  to  set  in  autumn. 

The  work  may,  therefore,  be  commenced  at  any  leisure  time 
during  the  months  of  August  and  September ;  or,  if  it  is  more 


LAYING    OUT    THE    FLOWER-GARDEN.  19 

convenient  not  to  commence  the  work  until  spring,  it  should  be 
accomplished  as  early  as  possible.  If  thus  deferred,  the  pro- 
prietor must  necessarily  be  deprived  the  pleasure  of  having 
anything  in  its  greatest  perfection,  except  annuals  and  tender 
bulbous  or  tuberous  plants  for  that  season.  I  should,  therefore, 
advise,  by  all  means,  to  have  the  work  done  in  autumn. 

The  quantity  of  land  to  be  devoted  to  the  object  may  be 
small ;  but,  however  limited  the  space,  it  is  necessary  some 
order  should  be  observed  in  the  general  arrangement. 

As  to  the  style  of  laying  out,  it  will  be  difficult  to  propose 
any  plan  that  would  be  likely  to  give  satisfaction  to  all,  for 
most  of  our  readers  have  a  fancy  of  their  own ;  and,  though  they 
might  be  disposed  to  ask  advice,  yet  would,  probably,  after  all, 
follow  the  guidance  of  their  own  taste,  whether  it  be  good  or 
bad.  It  may  not  be  amiss,  however,  to  throw  out  a  few  hints. 
And,  in  the  first  place,  if  any  considerable  extent  is  to  be  im- 
proved, —  or  if  small,  and  it  is  desirable  to  have  the  business 
done  neatly,  and  in  a  substantial,  workmanlike  manner,  —  we 
should  recommend  that  a  thorough -bred,  intelligent  gardener 
be  employed  to  execute  the  work ;  for  the  beauty  of  a  garden 
depends  very  much  upon  the  manner  of  laying  out,  the  proper 
consistency  and  richness  of  the  soil,  the  make  of  the  walks, 
and  laying  the  edgings,  whether  of  box,  grass,  or  anything 
else. 

The  form  of  the  ground  may  be  either  square  or  oblong, 
somewhat  circular  or  irregular.  The  interior  part  may  be 
divided  into  oblong  four-feet  beds,  or  in  the  manner  of  a  par- 
terre, in  some  fanciful  style ;  the  former  being  more  conven- 
ient, particularly  for  most  of  what  are  called  florist's  flowers, 
but  the  latter  more  pleasing  to  the  eye.  In  either  method,  a 
walk  should  be  carried  round  the  outward  boundary,  leaving  a 
border  to  surround  the  whole  ground.  This  outward  border 
will  be  the  most  appropriate  place  for  choice  flowering  shrubs, 
and  tall  herbaceous  biennial  and  perennial  plants.  If  the  bor- 
der be  a  wide  one,  groups  of  ornamental  trees,  of  low  growtli, 
may  be  planted  in  the  background,  especially  on  the  northoiii 


20  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

and  western  quarters,  which  will  greatly  protect  the  plants 
from  cold  winds,  particularly  if  they  be  evergreens.  Large 
trees  should  not  be  planted  so  near  as  to  injure  the  garden  by 
their  roots  or  shade.  Every  fine  garden  should  be  well 
secured  by  fence  or  hedge,  if  at  all  exposed  to  the  public  road. 
A  hedge  is  far  the  prettiest,  if  well  managed,  neat,  and  orna- 
mental, 

"  The  plan  of  the  garden,  be  it  either  large  or  small,  gener- 
ally pleases  when  it  is  so  constructed  as  to  give  a  variety  in 
the  design.  Formality,  though  often  the  leading  feature,  sel- 
dom gives  that  ease  that  is  requisite.  The  planting  of  the 
ground  should  also  bear  the  nicest  consideration ;  by  which, 
I  mean  that  such  shrubs  and  plants  should  be  selected  as  will 
form  a  pleasing  contrast,  and  appropriate  in  the  different  places 
assigned  to  them." 

GARDEN    WALKS. 

Width  of  Walks.  — The  main  walk,  or  walks,  of  a  garden, 
should  be  laid  out  on  a  liberal  scale.  Nothing  detracts  so  much 
from  the  pleasures  of  the  flower-garden  as  contracted  walks. 
When  we  wish  to  enjoy  the  company  of  a  friend,  in  the  flower- 
garden,  it  is  much  more  agreeable  to  have  him  by  our  side,  arm 
in  arm,  than  to  be  under  the  necessity  of  making  the  tour  of 
the  garden  in  Indian  file.  The  main  walks  should,  therefore, 
be  calculated  so  as  to  admit  two  persons  to  walk  comfortably  in 
a  social  manner;  and,  if  wide  enough  for  a  little  one  in  addi- 
tion, so  much  the  better.  From  five  to  six  feet  will  not  be  too 
wide  for  the  main  avenue.  The  internal  compartments,  of 
course,  should  have  much  narrower  walks,  the  width  of  which 
must  be  graduated  in  a  degree  bjr  the  size  of  the  garden. 

The  walks  of  the  flower-garden  should  be  constructed  of 
such  material  as  will  make  firm  and  dry  walking  at  all  seasons 
of  the  year.  The  best  walks  are  composed  of  small  stones, 
oyster-shells,  coarse  gravel,  or  broken  bricks,  covered  with  five 
or  six  inches  of  fine  gravel.  As  to  the  color  of  the  gravel,  or 
coating,  you  must  be  governed  by  fancy  and  convenience ;  but 


LAYING    OUT    THE    FLOWER-GARDEN.  21 

as  to  quality,  it  should  be  coarse  and  lively,  containing  a  due 
proportion  of  light  sandy  loam,  to  make  it  bind  close  and  firm 
at  all  seasons ;  but  not  so  redundant  in  loam  or  clay  as  to 
stick  to  the  feet  in  wet  weather,  nor  so  sandy  as  to  be  loose 
and  open  in  dry  weather. 

Ground  oyster  shells  are  sometimes  used,  also  granite  chips, 
from  a  stone-cutter's,  which  make  fine,  hard  walks ;  but  these 
substances  are  too  brilliant  for  the  eye  in  a  sunny  day,  and  on 
that  account  are  objectionable.  A  reddish  free-stone  color  has 
a  better  eflfect. 

Agreeably  to  your  design,  stake  out  the  width  of  the  walk, 
and  proceed  to  level  the  boundary  on  each  side,  corresponding 
with  the  adjacent  ground,  and  form  the  cavity  of  the  walk  for 
the  reception  of  the  gravel,  —  observing  that  the  whole  space, 
to  make  a  good  and  permanent  walk,  should  be  dug  twelve  or 
fifteen  inches  deep,  to  allow  a  proper  depth  for  gravel,  to  pre- 
vent the  weeds  from  rising  from  the  ground  below,  and  worms 
from  casting  up  the  earth  thereof.  The  earth  dug  out  from  the 
cavity  of  the  walk  may  be  used  to  raise  and  level  any  hollow 
parts  on  each  side,  or  contiguously  situated,  which,  with  the 
edging,  if  of  box,  should  always  be  completed  before  you  begin 
to  lay  the  gravel. 

The  walks  being  thus  laid  out,  you  may  first  lay  any  stony 
rubbish,  —  such  as  broken  bricks,  small  stones,  &c.,  —  for  sev- 
eral inches  deep  in  the  bottom,  which  will  drain  off  extra 
moisture,  and  thereby  prevent  the  surface  from  becoming  mossy 
or  foul ;  the  proper  gravel  is  then  to  be  laid  on,  six  or  eight 
inches  thick.  As  you  proceed  in  laying,  observe  to  rake  off 
the  coarse  parts  into  the  bottom,  and  to  raise  the  middle  of  the 
walk  higher  than  the  sides,  in  a  gradual  rounding  form,  just 
as  much,  and  no  more,  as  is  sufficient  to  carry  off  the  wet  to 
each  side. 

The  proportion  to  be  observed  is,  —  a  walk  of  four  feet  wide 
should  be  one  and  a  half  inches  higher  in  the  middle  than  at 
'he  sides,  and  for  every  foot  after,  that  such  increases  in 
vidth,   add   one  fourth  of   an   inch  for  the  centre    elevation. 


22  breck's  book  of  floavers. 

Rounding  the  walk  too  much  would  make  it  very  uneasy  to 
walk  upon,  and  of  an  unpleasant  appearance.  No  more  gravel 
should  be  laid  in  one  day  than  can  be  finished  off  and  rolled 
effectually.  Clean,  hard  gravel  walks  add  much  to  the  beauty 
and  comfort  of  the  garden. 

A  garden  roller  is  indispensable  where  there  is  any  extent 
of  walks,  and  it  should  be  applied  as  often  as  once  a  week,  and 
particularly  after  a  rain. 

PLANTING   BOX   AND    OTHER,    EDGING. 

The  surface  of  the  garden  having  been  levelled,  and  the 
walks  dug  out,  according  to  the  plan,  and  partially  filled  with 
stones  and  coarse  gravel,  the  operator  may  now  proceed  to 
plant  the  box  edgings,  or  any  other  plant  he  may  substitute 
for  that  purpose,  or  grass  if  that  is  preferred. 

Box,  of  all  other  plants,  makes  the  neatest  and  most  beauti- 
ful edgings.  This  may  be  set  in  September  or  October,  but 
will  require  protection,  as  it  is  very  liable  to  be  thrown  out  by 
the  frost,  or  winter-killed,  without  it.  It  may  also  be  planted 
in  the  spring,  and  also  in  June ;  but  when  late  planted  will 
require  shading  and  watering. 

Box  takes  root  freely  from  cuttings,  and  is  sometimes  used 
without  fibres ;  but,  unless  great  care  is  taken,  some  of  it  will 
fail  to  grow,  thereby  making  the  edging  uneven  and  full  of 
gaps,  and  it  will  be  found  difficult  to  get  into  good  shape  again. 
If  it  is  to  be  raised  from  cuttings,  it  should  be  done  in  a  bed  by 
itself,  where  it  can  have  the  benefit  of  shading  and  watering. 

To  make  neat  edgings,  you  should  get  some  short,  bushy 
box,  and  let  it  be  slipped  or  parted  into  moderately  small  slips, 
of  not  more  than  six  or  eight  inches  in  length,  dividing  it  in 
such  a  manner  that  each  slip  shall  have  more  or  less  roots  or 
fibres  upon  it,  rejecting  such  as  are  destitute,  for  planting  by 
themselves.  If  any  have  long,  straggling  roots,  they  should  be 
trimmed  off,  and  the  plants  should  be  made  pretty  much  of  a 
length. 

It  is  to  be  premised  that  the  margin  of  the  beds  have  all 


LAYING    OUT    THE    FLOWER-GARDEN.  23 

been  properly  levelled  or  graded ;  then  they  should  be  trodden 
lightly  and  evenly  along,  to  settle  it  moderately  firm ;  if  for  a 
straight  edging,  stretch  the  line  along  the  edge  of  the  bed  or 
border ;  with  the  spade  make  up  any  inequalities  of  the  surface 
according  to  the  line ;  then,  on  the  side  of  the  line  next  the 
walk,  let  a  small,  neat  trench  be  cut,  about  six  inches  deep, 
making  the  side  next  the  line  perfectly  upright,  turning  the 
earth  out  toward  the  walk  or  alley. 

For  a  curving  margin,  a  strip  of  board,  an  inch  wide  and 
twelve  or  fifteen  feet  long,  with  pegs  attached  by  screws  or 
nails,  at  various  distances  along  its  length,  so  that  it  can  be 
made  fast  in  the  ground,  to  correspond  with  the  design,  may 
be  used  instead  of  the  line ;  or  some  workmen  are  so  expert, 
that,  having  the  design  transferred  to  the  ground,  they  will 
proceed  with  accuracy  without  such  a  guide.  At  any  rate,  the 
trench  is  to  be  dug  out  as  directed  for  a  straight  line. 

The  box  is  to  be  planted  in  the  trench,  close  against  the 
upright  side,  against  the  line  or  strip  of  board,  placing  the 
plants  so  near  together  as  to  form  immediately  a  close,  com- 
pact edging,  \vithout  being  too  thick  and  clumsy,  and  with  the 
top  of  the  plants  as  evenly  as  possible,  all  an  equal  height,  not 
more  than  an  inch  or  two  above  the  surface  of  the  ground ; 
and,  as  you  proceed  in  planting,  draw  the  earth  up  to  the  out- 
side of  the  plants,  which  fixes  them  in  their  due  position ;  and 
when  you  have  planted  the  row  out,  then  with  your  spade  cast 
in  the  earth  almost  to  the  top  of  the  plants,  and  tread  neatly  and 
closely  thereto.  When  the  edging  is  planted,  let  any  inequal- 
ities of  the  top  be  cut  as  even  and  neat  as  possible,  with  a  pair 
of  shears. 

Grass  makes  a  very  neat  edging  if  kept  in  order,  but  it 
requires  so  much  attention  to  keep  it  in  its  place,  so  much 
edging  and  cutting,  that  I  would  not  recommend  it.  If,  how- 
ever, it  is  made  use  of,  it  should  be  obtained  from  a  pasture  or 
road-side,  where  it  may  be  easily  cut  in  strips  to  suit,  of  three 
or  more  inches  wide,  according  to  fancy.  The  sward  should 
be  fine  and  tough,  so  as  not  to  break  in  cutting  and  removing. 


24  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

The  mode  of  laying  will  suggest  itself  to  almost  any  one :  —  the 
surface  of  the  grass  should  be  on  a  level  with  the  earth,  and 
but  slightly  raised  above  the  walk. 

Thrift,  if  neatly  planted,  makes  handsome  edgings  to  bor- 
ders or  flower-beds.  This  may  be  planted  as  directed  for  box, 
slipping  the  old  plants  into  small  slips ;  setting  the  plants  near 
enough  to  touch  one  another,  forming  a  tolerably  close  row. 

Thyme,  hyssop,  winter  savory,  and  pinks  are  frequently 
used  for  edgings,  but  they  are  too  prone  to  grow  out  of  com- 
pass, and  therefore  not  to  be  recommended. 

Many  other  plants  are  often  used  for  edgings,  but  there  is 
nothing  that  makes  so  neat  and  trim  an  edging  as  box. 

It  is  a  good  time  to  clip  old  box  edgings  in  June.  They 
should  never  be  suffered  to  grow  tall,  but  be  kept  down  low. 

It  is  best  to  give  some  protection  to  box  in  the  winter  by 
coarse  litter,  or  by  throwing  up  a  few  inches  of  the  fine  gravel 
on  one  side,  and  the  earth  of  the  border  on  the  other. 


Library 
N.   C.    State   College 


SELECTIONS    OF   FLOWERING    PLANTS   FOR 
THE  GARDEN. 

"  To  raise  your  flowers,  various  arts  combine, 
Study  these  well,  and  fancy's  flight  decline  ; 
If  you  would  have  a  vivid,  vigorous  breed, 

■  Of  every  kind,  examine  well  the  seed  ; 
Learn  to  what  elements  your  plants  belong, 
What  is  their  constitution,  weak  or  strong  ; 
Be  their  physician,  careful  of  their  lives. 
And  see  that  every  species  daily  thrives  ; 
These  love  much  air,  these  on  much  earth  rely, 
These,  without  constant  warmth,  decay  and  die  ; 
Supply  the  wants  of  each,  and  they  will  pay 
For  all  your  care  through  each  succeeding  day." 

^To  select  the  most  desirable  plants,  and  to  arrange  them 
with  good  taste,  requires  an  extensive  knowledge  of  the  floral 
kingdom.  The  time  of  flowering  must  be  known,  the  height, 
hardiness,  habits,  odors,  &c. ;  also  the  effect  of  the  combination 
of  different  colors,  so  that  the  plants  may  be  arranged  in  such 
a  manner  as  to  produce  the  happiest  effect.  I  shall  place 
before  my  readers  an  extensive  collection  of  the  most  desirable 
plants,  embracing  hardy  Annuals,  Biennials,  Perennials,  and 
Shrubbery,  pointing  out  their  various  habits,  qualities,  beauties 
or  defects,  and  modes  of  cultivation,  describing  them  as  plainly 
as  possible,  without  using  any  more  technical  language  than  is 
necessary  for  that  purpose.  The  circumstances  of  different 
individuals  vary  so  much,  as  well  as  their  taste  and  fancy, 
that,  having  given  these  particulars,  it  must  be  left  with  each 
one  to  choose  for  themselves  such  plants  as  are  adapted  to  their 
circumstances,  the  extent  of  their  ground,  soil,  &;c.  Some 
suggestions  may  not  be  out  of  place. 

Some  persons,  anxious  for  a  great  variety,  crowd  too  many 
plants  into  a  small  space  ;   consequently  have  nothing  in  per- 
3 


26  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

fection.  This  is  too  often  the  case  with  young  beginners,  and 
it  is  not  uncommon  to  see  the  small  patch  devoted  to  flowers 
as  unsightly  as  if  it  were  filled  vvith  weeds.  It  is  much  better 
to  be  confined  to  a  few  fine  varieties,  and  cultivate  them  well, 
than  to  pursue  the  careless  style  which  is  frequently  seen  in 
the  flower-garden,  or  what  is  denominated  as  such. 

Tenants,  who  occupy  their  places  for  an  uncertain  length  of 
time,  are  not  generally  disposed  to  make  many  improvements 
by  the  addition  of  plants.  Those  who  may  be  thus  situated, 
and  have  a  desire  for  a  flower-garden,  can,  without  much, 
outlay,  have  a  succession  of  flowers  through  the  season.  The 
following  Annuals  may  be  obtained  for  one  dollar  :  —  Double 
Rocket  Larkspur,  Phlox  Drummondii,  Mignionette,  German 
Asters,  Coreopsis  Drummondii,  Pansies,  Sweet  Peas,  Poppies, 
Gillyflowers,  Chriseis,  Purple  and  White  Candytuft,  Nemo- 
phila.  Petunias,  Lavateras,  Convolvulus,  Globe  Amaranths, 
Immortal  Flower,  Mourning  Bride,  and  Sweet  Sultans.  For 
two  dollars  a  dozen.  Verbenas,  of  different  colors,  may  1^ 
obtained,  that  will  keep  up  a  lively  bloom  from  June  to 
v^ember.     A  dozen  fine  Dahlias  and  a  few  Gladiolas  will 

rt  three  or  four  dollars,  which,  with  a  few  monthly  roses  to 
L,^  turned  out  into  the  garden,  and  to  be  re-potted  in  autumn, 
and  a  few  choice  perennials,  grown  in  deep  pots  and  plunged 
in  the  ground,  will  not  altogether  exceed  the  sum  of  ten  dol- 
lars. These  plants,  well  grown,  will  make  a  fine  display,  and 
quite  a  respectable  flower-garden. 

NATIVE    PLANTS, 

Many  beautiful  plants  may  be  selected  from  the  woods  and 
fields,  by  those  who  wish  to  ornament  their  grounds  at  the 
least  expense.  These  would  be  more  highly  prized  than  many 
far-fetched  plants,  that  are  trumpeted  before  the  public,  from 
time  to  time,  could  they  be  seen  grouped  together  in  the 
flower-garden,  with  the  same  care  of  cultivation  bestowed  upon 
them  as  upon  some  of  the  expensive  exotics.  What  plant  can 
rival  the  splendor  of  the  Lobelia  cardinalis,  with  its  thousands 


SELECTIONS    OF    FLOWERING    PLANTS    FOR    THE    GARDEN.        27 

of  vivid  scarlet  flowers,  when  perfected  by  the  gardener's  hand  ? 
How  few  have  seen  the  beautiful  Aquilegia  Canadeoise,  im- 
proved as  It  may  be  in  the  flower-garden  ?  Who  has  tried  to 
cultivate  the  Gerardia  family  —  a  tribe  of  plants  singular  in  their 
habits,  and  perhaps  difficult  to  manage  in  the  garden  ;  but  their 
great  elegance  and  beauty  would,  no  doubt,  amply  repay  any 
pains  that  might  be  taken  to  dom.esticate  it.  Our  native  Asters, 
—  a  large  family  of  interesting  plants,  enlivening  our  autumnal 
months,  some  of  them  very  beautiful  in  their  wild  state,  —  are 
greatly  improved  when  transplanted  into  the  flower-garden. 
What  an  acquisition  to  our  floral  treasures  would  be  a  double 
variety  of  Aster  multijlorus,  with  its  pure  white  flowers ;  or 
A.  pimiceus,  with  its  lively  blue  ;  or  A.  Novce  Angles,  with  its 
purple  flowers ;  or  what  curious  sports  might  be  expected  from 
crossing  the  diflei'ent  species  !  No  doubt  as  great  an  improve- 
ment might  be  made  with  our  native  perennial  Asters,  as  has 
teen  made  with  our  annual  China  or  German  Asters,  in  their 
"improved  state. 

Then  there  is  the  extensive  genus  Solidago,  embracing  many 
fine  species  of  different  heights,  with  their  rich  yellow  flowers. 
Of  the  Asclepias,  what  is  prettier  than  A.  decumhens  and 
tuberosum,  with  fine  orange  flowers  —  and  other  species  with 
red  or  purple  ? 

Some  of  the  large  family  of  Violas  are  very  pretty.  Our 
Lilies,  Lupins,  Hepaticas,  Geraniums,  Gentians,  Iris  are 
worthy  a  place  in  the  pleasure  grounds. 

The  curious  Orchideous  and  Trillium  tribes,  so  wild  in 
their  habits,  and  impatient  of  cultivation,  might  be  introduced, 
and  a  multitude  of  others,  that  would  produce  a  fund  of  amuse- 
ment to  the  cultivator,  in  watching  the  progress  of  improve- 
ment, that  might  be  developed  from  time  to  time,  in  efforts 
made  to  perfect  them.  Among  our  shrubs,  are  many  very 
beautiful.  What  more  so,  than  the  Kalmia,  Azalea,  Ehodora, 
and  many  others  to  be  found  in  different  locations  ?  Surely,  in 
making  up  our  selections  of  plants,  those  of  our  own  native 
land  should  not  be  nea'lected. 


28  BBECK's    book    of    FLOT\rERS. 


OLD-FASHIONED   FLOWERS   NOT    TO    BE    DISCARDED. 

In  selecting  for  the  garden,  it  should  be  borne  in  mind  that 
many  of  the  new  varieties  of  flowers,  of  recent  introduction, 
trumpeted  forth,  in  advertisements  and  catalogues,  as  being 
"  exquisite,  superb,  unsurpassed,"  &c.,  are,  many  of  them, 
greatly  inferior  to  the  old  and  highly  esteemed  varieties  of  the 
old-fashioned  gardens.  These  time-honored  denizens  of  the 
flower-garden  should  not  be  discarded  as  antiquated  and  out 
of  fashion.  My  opinion  is  fully  expressed  in  the  following 
article  from  the  Gardener's  Chronicle  :  — 

"  Among  the  many  follies  which  the  gardening  world  com- 
mits, none  is  more  striking  to  the  looker-on,  than  the  eagerness 
with  which  old  favorites  are  deserted  for  new  ones.  Of  all 
inconstant  lovers,  gardeners  must  surely  be  the  most  incon- 
stant. To-day  they  are  at  the  feet  of  a  Dahlia ;  to-morrow 
there  is  no  beauty  like  a  Pansy,  and  both  are  presently  deserted 
for  a  Cineraria.  In  their  eyes,  old  age  is  a  crime,  and  aged 
flowers  are  mercilessly  consigned  to  the  poor-house.  We 
remember  when  Cape  plants  were  the  rage  ;  a  Brunsvigia,  or 
an  Ixia,  or  a  Protea,  were  standing  toasts ;  to  possess  such  fair 
objects  was  the  height  of  man's  ambition.  But  in  a  few  years 
these  were  thrown  aside,  and  New  Holland  beauties  supplanted 
them ;  to  be  succeeded  by  the  flaunting,  or  shy  and  delicate, 
natives  of  South  America.  If  we  look  to  an  old  garden  cata- 
logue, we  can  but  wonder  how  the  flower-garden  was  decorated 
by  our  fathers  ;  for  there  we  find  little  besides  races  now  known 
only  by  name. 

"  Marigolds  and  Candytufts,  Love-lies-bleeding,  Globes  and 
Balsams,  Catchflies  and  Cockscombs,  Daisies  and  Dittany, 
Persicarias  and  Prince's  Feather,  Lupins,  Tricolors  and  Mar- 
vels of  Peru,  Sunflowers  and  Sweet  Sultans,  —  pride  of  the 
eighteenth  century,  —  ye  have  all  fallen  victims  to  the  flicker- 
ing meteor  called  taste  ;  and  are  now  only  to  be  found  in  the 
old  drawers  of  old  seed-shops,  where  you  are  but  the  curios- 


SELECTIONS    OF    FLOWERING    PLANTS    FOR    THE    GARDKN.        29 

ities  of  floiiculture  ;  or  in  remote  country  gardens,  not  yet 
reached  by  steam  or  electricity.  Even  in  acknowledging  an 
acquaintance  with  Hollyhocks  and  China  Asters,  we  do  so 
under  a  teeling  of  something  like  shame  at  being  known  to 
keep  such  doubtful  company. 

"  Are  these  follies  to  have  an  end  ?  Shall  we  never  be  wise 
enough  to  look  upon  all  flowers  as  equal  ?  Do  we  not  yet 
know  that  what  is  called  the  difference  in  their  attractions,  is 
bat  a  difference  in  our  skill  in  managing  them  ;  and  that  they 
are  all  endowed  with  wondrous  beauty,  varying  in  kind,  but 
the  same  in  nature  ?  Most  especially  must  we  inquire  whether 
the  arts  of  the  cultivator  should  be  limited,  as  they  are,  to  the 
domestication  of  a  few  fashionable  races,  to  the  entire  neglect 
of  the  ancient  inhabitants  of  the  flower-garden  ?  A  Hollyhock 
is  as  showy  as  a  Dahlia,  infinitely  more  graceful,  much  easier 
to  cultivate,  as  prone  to  run  into  varieties,  and  hardy  instead  of 
tender ;  yet  the  lumpish  Dahlia  is  seen  everywhere  ;  socie- 
ties are  formed  to  admire  it  and  to  gamble  in  it ;  and  the  Hol- 
lyhock is  consigned  to  a  few  places,  where,  as  at  Shrubland, 
refined  taste  still  excludes  fashionable  vulgarity.  The  Ama- 
ranths are  a  race  peculiarly  suited  for  rich  autumnal  decoration, 
—  quick-growing,  many-sized,  and  long-enduring, — no  doubt 
susceptible  of  further  change ;  but  they  are  abandoned  for  the 
sake  of  Petumias  and  Chrysanthemums.  Surely  it  would  be 
wiser  to  try  to  improve  those  ancient  races,  which  are  so  well 
suited  to  our  climate  and  our  purses,  than  to  limit  our  skill  to 
tampering  with  the  constitutions  of  the  delicate,  though  bril- 
liant, strangers  that  have  taken  such  entire  possession  of  our 
affections. 

"  Let  no  man  say  that  they  are  incapable  of  improvement. 
Who  has  tried  the  experiment  ?  Who  has  tried  to  cross  the 
Prince's  Feather  with  the  Cockscomb  ?  or  Love-lies-bleeding 
with  the  Tricolor  ?  or  the  Bee  with  the  Dwarf  Larkspur  ?  or 
the  Persicaria  with  the  straggling  Buckwheat,  (Polygo?mm 
divar?cati/m)  ?  or  the  Indian  Pink  with  the  Carnation  ?  or  the 
Marigold  with  the  Coreopsis  ?  Until  these  trials  have  been 
3# 


30  breck's  book  of  tlowers. 

made,  with  at  least  as  much  care  as  has  been  shown  in  manag- 
ing the  Calcolaria,  or  the  Pansy,  we  must  be  permitted  to  say 
that  our  ancient  friends  are  unfairly  treated,  and  that  we  are 
doing  ourselves  much  disservice." 

We  shall  be  told  that  experiments  of  the  class  suggested  are 
hopeless.  We  believe  them  to  be  likely  to  lead  to  highly  im- 
portant consequences,  expecially  in  those  cases  where  the  result 
of  success  would  be  to  improve  a  perennial  by  the  aid  of  an 
annual ;  a  very  material  consideration. 

Plants  should  be  chosen  that  will  give  a  succession  of  flowers 
from  the  early  part  of  the  spring  till  the  winter  closes  the  flow- 
ering season.  In  this  work  we  hope  we  have  so  described  the 
various  plants,  that  almost  any  person  of  taste  may  be  enabled 
to  select  such  as  may  be  deemed  proper  to  effect  this  object. 
Those  persons  who  can,  conveniently,  visit  nurseries  and  gar- 
dens during  the  season,  will  select  more  accurately  by  noticing 
the  plants  when  in  bloom,  as  their  true  character  and  portrait 
can  be  seen,  and  appreciated,  far  better  than  from  any  descrip- 
tion that  can  be  given. 

ROCK-WORK, 

There  are  many  plants  that  succeed  best  when  planted 
among  rocks  ;  and,  for  their  accommodation  and  to  show  oflf 
their  beauties  to  the  greatest  advantage,  it  is  common  in  many 
gardens,  to  have  an  appendage,  called  a  rockery.  This  is  made 
of  a  collection  of  stones,  in  the  rough  or  natural  state,  laid  up 
without  much  order,  with  soil,  which  should  be  concealed  as 
much  as  possible  by  the  fragments  of  rock.  As  many  of  the 
plants  succeed  best  in  the  shade,  a  portion  of  the  rock-work 
should  be  partly  surrounded  with  trees  or  shrubs,  that  they 
may  derive  that  advantage.  Trilliums,  Orchis,  Cj'prepediums, 
and  some  few  ferns,  and  a  great  variety  of  native  plants 
which  are  found  in  our  woods,  with  an  appropriate  soil,  would 
flourish  well  in  such  a  spot.  The  rockery  should  be  partly,  or 
wholly,  concealed  from  the  general  flower-garden  by  shrubs  or 
trees.     It  may  be  approached   from  the  main  walk  under  a 


SELECTIONS    OF   FLOWERING    PLANTS    FOR   THE    GARDEN.        31 

rustic  arch,  mantled  with  climbers,  or  through  a  winding  pas- 
sage among  evergreens.  Rockeries  should  be  formed  as  much 
as  possible  of  natural  materials  ;  the  stones,  or  fragments  of 
rock  of  which  it  is  composed,  should  not  bear  the  marks  of  the 
quarry,  or  any  art.  For  a  small  garden  one  collection  of  rocks 
or  stones,  with  a  walk  round  it,  will  be  sufficient ;  but  when  a 
person  has  some  fancy,  a  variety  of  beds  or  collections  may  be 
made  with  winding  walks  around  them,  which,  if  relieved  with 
some  dwarf  evergreen  shrubs,  may  be  made  to  show  off  a  great 
variety  of  dwarf  plants  to  the  very  best  advantage.  Rockeries 
should  be  conspicuous  for  a  natural  character.  No  appearance 
of  art,  and  no  approach  to  the  regularity  or  smoothness  proper 
to  works  of  art,  will  be  at  all  in  place  here.  The  surface  of 
the  whole  cannot  be  too  irregular,  or  too  variedly  indented  or 
prominent.  Evergreen  shrubs  of  low  growth  will  be  particu- 
larly useful  in  giving  prominence  to  some  portions  of  the  work ; 
provision  will,  therefore,  have  to  be  made,  in  the  placing  of  the 
stones,  for  planting  a  few  shrubs,  and  a  greater  number  of  her- 
baceous rock  plants,  in  their  interstices,  which  should  be  left 
broader  or  smaller,  according  to  the  size  of  the  plant  that  may 
be  required  in  them. 

In  arranging  the  stones,  they  should  be  laid  upon  their 
broadest  or  flat  sides,  with  the  outer  edge  slanting  downwards 
rather  than  upwards.  Any  great  elevation  should  never  be 
sought  in  small  rockeries.  This  would  be  inconsistent  with 
their  breadth,  and  would  render  them  too  prominent  and  artifi- 
cial. There  are  many  rocky  locations  in  New  England,  which, 
with  a  little  study,  might  be  converted  into  tasteful  and  beau- 
tiful gardens,  where  all  the  fine  creepers  might  display  their 
beauties  on  the  more  prominent  points,  and  the  more  accessible 
places  be  fitted  up  to  receive  the  more  humble  dwarf  species. 


No  flower-garden  can  be  complete  without  some  grass. 
There  are  but  very  few,  however,  who  can  afford  the  luxury 
of  an  extensive  grass  lawn  ;  but  eveiy  one  wishes  for  a  few 


32  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

rods,  at  least,  about  the  house  ;  this  maj'-  lay  between  the  house 
and  garden.  When  there  is  but  a  small  surface  to  grass  over, 
it  may  be  done  with  turf,  if  it  can  be  obtained  of  a  good 
quality,  which  is  not  often  the  case.  The  best  way  is  to  begin 
at  the  beginning,  and  do  the  work  up  thoroughly.  First  see 
that  the  ground  is  well  prepared  by  deep  digging  or  trenching; 
for  it  is  in  vain  to  expect  the  lawn  to  preserve  its  greenness  in 
summer,  unless  the  soil  is  pulverized  so  that  the  roots  of  the 
grass  may  penetrate  two  feet  deep.  After  the  soil  is  thus  pre- 
pared and  levelled,  it  should  be  left  to  settle  a  week  or  ten 
days;  then  it  should  be  raked  off  smooth,  and  it  will  be  ready 
for  the  seed.  The  New  England  red-top,  or  bent  grass,  alone, 
makes  the  finest  lawn  for  this  climate  ;  but  if  it  is  desirable  to 
give  immediate  effect  to  the  lawm,  there  should  be  a  mix- 
ture of  white  Dutch  clover.  Three  bushels  of  red-top  to  ten 
pounds  of  white  clover,  or  four  bushels  of  red-top  without 
it,  is  none  too  much  for  an  acre.  This  may  seem  a  heavy 
seeding,  but  it  is  none  too  much.  After  sowing  the  seed,  it 
should  be  rolled  with  a  heavy  roller. 

To  have  a  fine  lawn,  it  is  necessary  not  only  to  mow  it 
often,  but  roll  it  also,  especially  after  a  rain.  By  doing  thus,  a 
close  texture  and  fine  velvety  turf  may  be  obtained. 


REMARKS  ON  THE  CULTIVATION  OF  PEREN- 
NIALS, BIENNIALS,  AND  ANNUALS. 

"  A  flowery  crown  will  I  compose  — 
I'll  weave  the  Crocus,  weave  the  Rose  ; 
I  '11  weave  Narcissus,  newly  wet, 
The  Hyacinth  and  Violet ; 
The  Myrtle  shall  supply  me  green. 
And  Lilies  laugh  in  light  between  ; 
That  the  rich  tendrils  of  my  beauty's  hair 
May  burst  into  their  crowning  flowers,  and  light  the  painted  air." 

Perennials  are  those  plants  which  do  not  in  their  growth 
form  either  trees  or  shrubs,  but  which  lose  their  tops,  wholly 
or  in  part,  every  year,  after  they  have  done  flowering;  the 
roots  continuing  to  live  and  generate  for  several  years  suc- 
cessively. 

Biennials  are  those  plants  that  flower  the  second  and  some- 
times the  third  year  from  the  time  the  seeds  are  sown,  and 
then  perish,  as  the  Hollyhock. 

Imperfect  Perennials  continue  three  or  more  years,  and  then 
die,  as  the  Sweet  William  or  Fox  Glove,  but  which,  -with  a 
little  care  in  dividing  the  roots  every  year,  can  be  kept  many 
years. 

Perennials  are  hardy,  half-hardy,  and  tender.  Hardy 
perennials  stand  the  hardest  winter  without  protection ;  half- 
hardy  require  to  be  well  protected;  and  tender  perennials 
must  be  kept  through  the  winter  in  the  green-house. 

Perennials  are  of  two  kinds,  bulbous  and  herbaceous,  which, 
differing  materially  from  each  other  in  habits,  require,  conse- 
quently, a  different  kind  of  treatment.  Such  being  the  case, 
a  few  remarks  will  be  made  on  each  kind  separately. 


34 


BRECK  S  BOOK  OF  FLOWEKS. 


BULBOUS  PERENNIALS. 


They  are  of  three  kinds, — viz.,  hardy,  or  such  as  grow  ia 
the  open  border ;  half-hardy,  such  as  will  not  stand  out  over 
winter,  or  requiring  a  frame  or  the  green-house ;  and  stove,  or 
those  that  will  not  grow  to  perfection  without  artificial  heat. 
Of  these  last  we  shall  have  nothing  to  say.  Many  of  the  half- 
hardy  are  perfected  when  planted  in  the  open  ground  in  the 
spring,  and  are  sometimes  called  spring  bulbs,  as  the  Gladi- 
olus, &c. 

The  Anemone  and  Ranunculus,  are  half-hardy,  requiring 
the  protection  of  a  frame  or  otherwise. 

Hardy  bulbs,  with  few  exceptions,  are  remarkably  easy  of 
cultivation,  and,  if  planted  in  proper  soil  and  situation,  seldom 
fail  to  produce  plenty  of  offsets  and  seeds  for  propagation. 

The  best  kind  of  soil  for  their  growth  is  a  light  loam,  rather 
sandy  than  otherwise,  yet  not  too  light,  or  the  bulbs  will  be 
injured  during  the  heat  of  summer,  and,  if  adhesive,  they 
invariably  grow  weakly,  and  seldom  flower. 

As  to  the  depth  the  different  bulbs  require  to  be  planted  in 
the  ground,  no  certain  rule  can  be  laid  down,  as  some  species 
require  to  be  planted  from  three  to  five  inches,  while  others  not 
more  than  one  and  a  half,  deep.  The  different  depths  will  be 
given  as  each  variet}^  in  species  is  described. 

Encourage  as  much  as  possible  the  growth  of  the  leaves,  by 
giving  them  free  exposure  to  light  and  air;  for  on  the  full 
development  of  these  depends  the  success  of  the  bulbs  flower- 
ing another  year.  If  the  leaves  grow  strong,  a  good  quantity 
of  strong  pulp  is  stored  up  in  the  bulbs,  and  a  good  bloom  is 
the  consequence. 

Never,  if  it  can  be  avoided,  disturb  the  roots  by  removal 
during  their  growth;  but  if  obliged  to  do  so,  select  a  wet  day, 
and  take  them  up  with  good  balls,  so  as  not  to  injure  the 
fibrous  roots. 

The  only  time  to  remove  them  with  success,  is  during 
the    time  of  their   torpidity,  at   which  time  the    offsets  may 


PERENNIALS    ANU    BIENNIALS.  35 

be  separated,  and  planted  where  the  cultivator  may  judge 
best. 

The  season  of  rest,  for  most  bulbs,  happens  shortly  after 
they  have  done  flowering.  Tulip  and  Hyacinth  bulbs  are 
generally  ripe  in  about  one  month  from  the  time  of  flower- 
ing. As  soon  as  the  foliage  of  the  Tulip  turns  purple  and 
begins  to  dry,  the  bulbs  may  be  taken  up ;  and,  with  the  Hya- 
cinth, before  the  foliage  is  fully  decayed.  As  a  general  rule, 
when  the  tops  have  quite  died  down,  the  bulbs  may  be  taken 
up  and  separated. 

With  the  exception  of  Tulips,  Hyacinths,  Narcissus,  and 
some  others,  most  hardy  bulbs  are  injured  if  kept  long  out  of 
ground,  as  the  Lily  tribe.  Crown  Imperial,  &c.  It  is  best  to 
plant  immediately  offsets  of  bulbs,  of  every  description,  for  if 
kept  long  out  of  ground  they  become  exliausted  and  perish. 
Bulbs  that  have  commenced  growing,  before  planting,  are 
always  weakened ;  yet  ignorant  purchasers  will  frequently 
select  such  because  they  look  more  lively.  If  they  have  made 
much  growth,  the  bulb  will  not  flower  at  all. 

Some  tuberous  roots  are  classed  with  bulbous  roots.  Strictly 
speaking,  it  is  not  correct,  but  for  convenience  sake  we  shall  so 
consider  them.  The  Dahlia  and  Peony  are,  properly,  tuber- 
ous roots.  Of  these,  directions  for  cultivation  will  be  given 
when  described. 

HERBACEOUS    PERENNIALS   AND    BIENNIALS. 

The  mode  of  cultivating  this  class  of  plants  is  perfectly 
easy ;  three  things  chiefly  have  to  be  attended  to.  First,  the 
manner  of  propagation.  Second,  the  most  suitable  soil.  Third, 
the  requisite  temperature.  There  are  five  methods  of  propa- 
gation practised :  by  divisions,  suckers,  layers,  seeds,  and 
cuttings. 

Dividing  the  Roots.  —  This  may  be  done  either  with  a  kind 
of  knife,  if  the  plant  is  small,  or  a  spade,  if  it  is  strong  and 
large.  The  best  time  for  doing  it  is  when  the  tops  are  just 
beginning  to  grow  after  having  been  cut  down. 


■36  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

The  roots  may  be  divided  in  the  spring,  or  ahnost  any  tune 
(with  some  species)  during  the  summer,  after  flowering.  The 
month  of  August  is  a  proper  time  for  many  kinds,  as  the 
divisions  will  take  strong  hold  before  winter,  and  be  prepared 
to  flower  strongly  the  next  year. 

Slickers.  —  These  may  be  taken  up  at  any  time  when  they 
appear,  but  the  most  usual  time  is  when  the  plant  is  beginning 
to  grow. 

Seed.  —  Sow,  for  the  most  part,  in  early  spring,  in  light  soil, 
and  plant  out  in  the  following  autumn  in  the  situations  where 
they  are  to  flower.  Many  of  the  fine  double  and  other  varie- 
ties never  produce  seed. 

Layers  aiid  Cuttings.  —  Thrifty,  succulent  shoots,  if  partly 
cut  through,  and  pegged  down,  and  covered  with  earth,  will 
take  root,  as  is  the  case  with  the  Pinks  and  Carnations.  Cut- 
tings of  many  plants  will  take  root,  with  proper  care. 

Soil.  —  Different  species  of  plants  require  rather  different 
kinds  of  soil ;  but  a  light,  rich  loam  will  suit  the  greater  part 
of  plants. 

Teonperature.  —  Hardy,  half-hardy,  and  green-house  plants 
require  similar  care,  except  the  amount  of  protection  or 
quantity  of  heat,  to  bring  them  into  the  most  perfect  state. 

ANNUALS. 

The  plants  generally  known  as  annuals,  are  raised  from  the 
seed,  perfect  their  flowers,  mature  their  seed  the  same  season, 
and  then  perish.  There  are  some  flowers,  however,  cultivated 
as  annuals,  that  are  such  only  in  a  northern  climate,  being  in 
their  own  more  congenial  region  perennials,  or  biennials. 
Among  them  are  the  Verbena,  Chriseis,  or  Eschscholtzia,  as  it 
was  formerly  called,  Commelina,  Mirabilis,  and  many  others. 
This  class  of  annuals  may  be  kept  through  the  winter  in  green- 
houses or  in  any  light  cellars.  Annuals  are  most  appropriate 
for  those  who  are  changing  their  abode  from  year  to  year,  as 
from  these  alone  a  fine  display  may  be  kept  up  the  whole  sea- 


ANNUALS.  37 

son,  with  the  exception  of  the  vernal  months,  and  this  deficiency- 
may  be  supplied  by  having  a  choice  collection  of  perennials, 
grown  in  pots,  which  can  be  plunged  in  the  ground,  and  thus 
removed  at  any  time  when  it  is  necessary  to  change  the  resi- 
dence. 

No  collection  of  plants  can  be  perfect  without  an  abundance 
of  annuals,  as  they  can  be  disposed  of  in  such  a  way  as  to  suc- 
ceed the  perennials,  and  keep  up  a  continuous  bloom  in  all 
parts  of  the  garden  through  the  season. 

Annuals  may  be  divided  as  follows :  —  hardy,  half-hardy, 
and  tender. 

Hardy  annuals  are  such  as  may  be  sown  in  autumn  or  very 
early  in  the  spring,  as  all  the  Larkspurs,  Chriseis,  Clarkea, 
Asters,  Candytufts,  &c.  Half-hardy  are  those  which  will  not 
bear  a  hard  frost,  and  therefore  not  proper  to  plant  in  the  open 
ground  before  the  middle  or  last  of  May,  as  the  Balsam  Cocks- 
comb, Marigold,  &c.  Tender  annuals  can  hardly  be  brought 
to  perfection  without  starting  them  in  artificial  heat,  in  a  hot- 
bed or  otherwise,  and  are  very  sensitive  of  cold,  as  the  Cypress 
vine,  Thunbergia,  Ice  Plant,  Sensitive  Plant,  &c.  Many  of 
these,  in  a  very  warm  season,  will  succeed  tolerably  well  if 
planted  about  the  1st  of  June  ;  but  to  have  them  in  perfection 
they  should  be  raised  in  a  hot-bed,  in  pots,  and  turned  out  in 
the  ground  the  middle  of  June. 

Before  sowing  annuals,  the  soil  in  which  they  are  to  be 
gro\vn  should  be  made  light  and  rich,  and  very  finely  pulver- 
ized, as  many  of  the  seeds  are  very  small,  and  require  every 
advantage  and  care  to  get  them  up.  The  small  seeds  must 
receive  but  little  covering,  and  that  of  the  finest  earth.  In 
sowing  these,  my  practice  is  to  sow  them  in  patches  six  or 
eight  inches  square.  The  soil  having  been  well  prepared,  I 
settle  the  ground  gently  with  the  foot  or  a  small  piece  of  board, 
so  as  to  make  an  even,  somewhat  firm,  surface.  The  seeds  are 
then  evenly  strewed  over  the  surface.  Then  take  some  very 
fine  soil  and  sift  or  strew  over  them,  covering  the  seed  not 
more  than  one  eighth  of  an  inch  deep,  after  which  press  the 
4 


38  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

soil  again  with  the  board  gently.  It  is  now  of  great  importance 
that  the  seeds,  as  they  vegetate,  should  be  protected  from  the 
scorching  sun ;  an  evergreen  bough  is  as  good  as  anything  to 
shade  them.  The  soil  must  not  be  permitted  to  get  dry  until 
the  young  plants  have  acquired  some  strength ;  after  which 
they  may  be  left  to  take  their  chance  from  the  effects  of  sun  or 
dryness.  When  the  plants  are  of  a  proper  size,  and  the  weather 
suitable,  they  may  be  taken  up  with  a  transplanting  trowel, 
and  set  where  wanted.  A  small  patch  of  this  description  will 
afford  plants  enough  for  any  common  garden.  In  removing 
them,  a  number  may  be  taken  up  together  without  disturbing 
the  roots ;  but  when  the  plants  have  become  established,  all 
may  be  cut  off  except  the  strongest  ones.  As  a  general  rule,  a 
single  plant  gives  better  satisfaction  than  when  a  number  are 
grown  together,  except  when  planted  in  masses,  or  where  there 
is  to  be  a  group.  The  beauty  of  many  annuals  is  completely 
destroyed  by  huddling  them  together.  Give  every  plant  room 
according  to  its  habits.  A  single  plant,  well  trained,  may  be 
made  very  beautiful;  while  a  number  of  the  same  species, 
grown  together,  without  sufficient  room,  would  be  worthless. 

Larkspur,  and  many  other  seeds,  should  be  sown  where  they 
are  to  remain.  A  bed  of  Double  Rocket  Larkspur,  well  man- 
aged, is  almost  equal  to  a  bed  of  Hyacinths,  when  in  bloom. 
This  succeeds  best  when  sown  late  in  autumn  or  very  early  in 
the  spring.  The  seed  may  be  sown  in  drills,  eight  or  ten  inches 
apart,  in  beds,  and  the  plants  well  thinned  out.  Larkspur,  and 
many  other  hardy  annual  seeds,  if  sown  late  in  autumn,  and  lie 
dormant  all  winter,  will  give  much  stronger  plants  than  the 
same  kinds  of  seed  sown  very  early  in  the  spring,  notwith- 
standing those  sown  in  the  spring  may  appear  above  ground 
as  soon  as  those  sown  in  autumn.  The  reason  probably  is, 
that  the  autumnal  sown  seeds  are  so  prepared,  by  the  action 
of  the  frost,  that  they  start  with  greater  vigor,  and  consequently 
are  more  robust  than  the  spring  sown  seeds. 

Some  seeds  are  difficult  to  germinate.  Cypress  vine  is  an 
example.     This  requires  scalding,  to  facilitate  its  germination; 


ANNUALS.  39 

or,  if  the  hull  is  carefully  taken  off  with  a  penknife,  so  as  not 
to  injure  the  germ,  the  object  is  effected,  and  it  will  imme- 
diately vegetate.  The  seeds  of  Gomphrena  globosa  (Globe 
Amaranth)  is  encased  in  a  thick  coating  of  woolly  substance, 
which  greatly  retards  vegetation.  This,  with  the  hull,  if  taken 
off,  causes  the  germ  to  push  immediately ;  or,  if  the  seed  is 
soaked  in  milk  twenty-four  hours,  it  will  soon  start;  but,  if 
planted  with  the  coating  on,  or  without  soaking,  very  few  will 
appear  above  ground. 

As  a  general  rule,  the  depth  of  planting  flower  seeds  is  to 
be  governed  by  the  size.  For  example,  the  Sweet  Pea  and 
Lupine  may  be  planted  an  inch  deep,  and  so  in  proportion.  An- 
nuals have  a  pleasing  effect  when  planted  in  masses,  particu- 
larly when  the  pleasure-ground  is  extensive.  For  this  purpose, 
the  Verbenas,  of  various  colors,  Portulaccas,  Nemophylla, 
Chriseis,  Phlox  Drummondii,  Coreopsis  Drummondii,  Candy- 
tufts, and  many  other  dwarf  plants,  are  desirable.  Beds  of 
any  of  these,  or  others  of  similar  habit,  in  a  well-managed  grass 
lawn,  are  very  ornamental.  The  beds  should  be  either  round, 
oval,  starry,  or  irregular;  but  never  square,  diamond  shape,  or 
triangular.  Masses  of  annuals  may  be  so  arranged  as  to  make 
a  grand  display  in  the  common  flower-garden.  We  have  seen 
the  walks  of  an  extensive  flower-garden  deeply  edged  with  a 
wide  border  of  crimson  and  scarlet  Portulaccas;  and,  throughout 
the  whole  garden,  all  the  annuals,  and  other  plants,  in  fact, 
were  planted  in  masses.  We  have  never  seen  a  better  managed 
garden  than  this  one.  It  contained  about  an  acre  of  ground. 
Not  more  than  twenty  or  thirty  kinds  of  annuals  were  cultivated 
in  the  garden,  and  of  this  class  of  plants  more  than  one  half 
of  the  ground  was  filled.  They  consisted  of  every  variety  of 
Double  Balsams,  German  Asters,  Drummond  Phlox,  Coreopsis, 
Amaranths,  Verbenas,  Portulaccas,  Double  China  Pinks,  Petu- 
nias, Mignionette,   Cockscombs,  Gilliflowers,  &c. 


ON  THE  CULTURE   OF  HARDY  DECIDUOUS 
AND  EVERGREEN  SHRUBS. 

"  I  like  a  shrubbery,  too,  it  looks  so  fresh ; 
And  then  there  is  some  variety  about  it. 
In  spring,  the  Lilac  and  the  Snowball  flower, 
And  the  Laburnum,  with  its  golden  strings 
Waving  in  the  wind  ;  and  when  the  autumn  comes, 
The  bright  red  berries  of  the  Mountain-ash, 
With  pines  enough,  in  winter,  to  look  green, 
And  show  that  something  lives." 

The  flower-garden  will  be  incomplete  without  a  shrubbery. 
A  collection  of  shrubs  and  trees,  embracing  the  different  vari- 
eties to  be  obtained  at  our  nurseries,  will  add  much  to  the 
interest  of  the  pleasure-ground.  They  should  not  be  planted 
at  regular  distances,  or  in  straight  lines,  as  in  that  way  they 
look  too  set  and  unnatural ;  but,  when  grouped  together,  the 
various  sorts  gracefully  intermingled  with  the  taller  species  in 
the  background,  they  present,  at  all  seasons  of  the  year,  an 
interesting  sight. 

Shrubs  are  divided  into  two  classes  —  Deciduous  and  Ever- 
green. Deciduous  shrubs  are  those  which  lose  their  leaves  in 
autumn.  However  uninteresting  the  naked  branches  of  this 
class  of  shrubs  may  appear,  to  the  careless  observer,  when 
denuded  of  their  foliage,  they  are  not  devoid  of  beauty  to  the 
lovers  of  nature ;  but,  when  mingled  with  evergreens,  are 
pleasing  even  in  winter.  The  twigs  of  some  species  are  red ; 
others  yellow,  or  various  shades  of  brown ;  and  then  many 
species  are  covered  with  a  profusion  of  berries,  of  different  col- 
ors, which,  contrasting  with  the  evergreens,  give  a  lively  look 
to  the  shrubbery,  even  in  the  most  dreary  months. 

The  culture  of  hardy  shrubs  is,  in  general,  simple  and  easy. 
The  chief  things  to  be  noticed  are,  —  the  proper  season  for 
planting,  the  situation  in  which  the  plants  will  thrive,  the 


HARDY    DECIDUOUS    AND    EVERGREEN    SHRUBS.  41 

kind  of  soil  best  suited  to  their  growth,  and  the  encouragement 
given  to  enable  them  to  thrive  afterwards. 

The  proper  Season  for  Planting.  —  As  soon  as  the  leaves 
begin  to  fall,  in  October,  deciduous  trees  may  be  planted  with 
safety,  with  few  exceptions.  Altheas,  and  some  other  sorts 
liable  to  be  winter-killed,  had  better  not  be  removed  until 
spring.  The  spring  planting,  of  all  deciduous  trees  and  shrubs, 
should  be  done  as  early  as  possible,  —  as  soon  as  the  ground 
can  be  worked  to  advantage,  and  before  the  buds  begin  to 
expand. 

Evergreens,  in  general,  if  carefully  taken  up,  may  be  planted 
with  success  in  any  season  of  the  year,  provided  dull  and 
dripping  weather  be  taken  advantage  of  for  that  purpose. 
There  are  particular  seasons,  however,  when  they  will  thrive 
with  much  greater  freedom  than  at  others.  I  have  been  as 
successful  about  the  first  of  June  as  at  any  other  time,  and 
have  also  succeeded  in  planting,  the  1st  of  July,  and  in  August; 
but,  as  a  general  rule,  when  they  commence  their  growth,  the 
last  of  May.  It  is  indispensable  that  all  large  trees  and  shrubs 
be  removed  with  good  balls,  and  that  the  roots  be  uninjured. 
In  planting  evergreens,  (and  the  same  may  be  said  of  deciduous 
trees,)  whether  it  be  done  on  a  dull  day,  a  wet  day,  or  a  dry 
day,  it  is  very  necessary  to  keep  in  view  the  expediency  of 
keeping  the  plants  for  as  short  time  out  of  the  ground  as  pos- 
sible, —  if  only  a  few  minutes,  so  much  the  better.  If  any 
quantity  are  to  be  planted,  the  plants  should  be  "  heeled  in,"  as 
it  is  termed,  (that  is,  the  roots  covered  with  earth,)  and  taken 
out,  as  they  are  wanted.  I  have  generally  been  successful, 
without  watering  as  I  planted ;  but  others  think  it  necessary, 
and  one  writer  says :  — 

"  In  all  seasons,  situations,  and  soils,  the  plants  should  be 
well  soaked  with  water  as  soon  as  the  earth  is  put  about  the 
roots.  Where  the  water  is  not  at  hand,  so  that  it  may  not  be 
easily  carried  or  wheeled  by  men,  a  horse  with  a  water-barrel 
on  wheels  should  be  used.  As  soon  as  the  plant  has  been  put 
into  its  place  the  earth  should  be  filled  in,  leaving  a  sufficient 
4* 


^  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

hollow  round  the  stem,  and  as  far  as  the  roots  extend,  to  hold 
water,  which  should  then  be  poured  on  in  sufficient  quantity  to 
soak  the  ground  down  to  the  lowest  parts  of  the  roots ;  in 
short,  the  whole  should  be  made  like  a  kind  of  puddle. 

"  By  this  practice,  which  is  particularly  necessary  in  spring 
and  autumn  planting,  the  earth  is  carried  down  by  the  water, 
and  every  crevice  among  the  roots  is  filled.  Care  must  always 
be  taken  to  have  as  much  earth  above  the  roots  of  the  plants 
as  wiU  prevent  their  being  exposed  when  the  water  has  sub- 
sided. The  best  plan  is  to  take  an  old  birch  broom,  or  any- 
thing similar,  and,  laying  it  down  near  the  root,  pour  the  water 
upon  it ;  this  breaks  the  fall  of  the  water,  and  prevents  the 
roots  from  being  washed  bare  of  such  earth  as  may  adhere  to 
them.  In  this  way  time  is  saved,  for  the  water  may  be  poured 
out  in  a  full  stream  from  the  pail,  a  watering-pot,  or  even  from 
a  spout  or  pipe  in  the  water-cart  or  barrel,  when  the  situation 
is  such  that  this  can  be  brought  up  to  the  plant. 

"  After  the  first  watering  is  dried  up,  the  earth  should  be 
levelled  round  the  stem  of  the  plant,  and  as  far  out  as  the 
water  has  been  put  on,  but  not  trod.  If  the  plants  are  large,  a 
second  watering  is  sometimes  necessary ;  but  in  ordinary  sized 
plants,  one  watering  is  quite  sufficient.  And,  after  remaining 
twenty-four  hours,  more  or  less,  according  to  the  nature  of  the 
soil,  the  earth  about  the  stem  and  over  the  roots  should  be 
trod  as  firm  as  possible,  and,  after  treading,  should  be  dressed 
with  a  rake." 

"  The  Situations  in  which  the  plants  will  thrive.  —  With 
regard  to  the  situation  in  which  each  shrub  should  be  planted, 
little  can  be  said  here.  To  form  a  correct  judgment  of  this,  a 
knowledge  of  the  natural  habits  of  each  is  required.  This 
knowledge  may  be  easily  obtained  by  referring  to  a  botanical 
catalogue  and  other  works  treating  on  the  subject.  Some 
shrubs  love  a  dry  and  elevated  situation,  and  will  not  thrive, 
crowded  with  others ;  some  are  rather  tender,  and  must  have 
warm  and  sheltered  places ;  others  are  very  hardy,  and  will 
thrive  planted  anywhere ;  others,  again,  will  not  grow  freely, 


HARDY   DECIDTJOTJS   AND   EVERGREEN    SHRUBS.  43 

unless  they  are  placed  in  low,  damp  ground ;  and  others  do  not 
flourish  if  much  exposed  to  the  rays  of  the  sun. 

"  The  kind  of  Soil  best  suited  for  them,  —  With  respect  to 
soil,  hardy  shrubs  may  be  divided  into  two  kinds,  viz.,  first, 
shrubs  requiring  common  soil ;  and,  second,  those  shrubs  con- 
stituting the  American  garden.  A  rich,  light,  hazel  loam, 
undoubtedly  suits  the  greater  part  of  the  first  class  of  plants, 
although  many  of  the  stronger-growing  kinds  will  make  fine 
bushes  on  almost  any  kind  of  soil.  The  American  plants, 
Kalmias,  Rhododendrons,  Ajidromedas.  &c.,  &c.,make  the  finest 
plants  and  the  best  show,  if  they  are  planted  in  a  soil  com- 
posed for  the  most  part  of  sandy  peat ;  but,  in  the  absence  of 
this,  a  very  good  compost  may  be  made  for  them  of  light 
hazelly  loam,  river  sand,  and  vegetable  or  leaf  mould,  equal 
parts,  or  a  little  peat  earth  mixed  with  it.  After  having  taken 
out  the  original  soil  from  the  proposed  border  to  about  a  foot 
and  a  half  deep,  substitute  the  above  mixture  in  its  place. 

"  To  encourage  the  growth  of  the  Shrubs  after  being  planted. 
—  Whilst  the  plants  are  small,  constantly  keep  down  all  rank- 
growing  weeds,  and  clear  off  all  rubbish  that  would  otherwise 
retard  their  growth  ;  also  they  receive  much  benefit  by  the  sur- 
face of  the  ground  being  often  stirred  with  a  Dutch  hoe,  as  it 
prevents  the  surface  baking  hard  in  dry  weather." 

Watering  shrubs,  except  in  peculiar  situations,  during  dry 
summers,  appears  to  be  of  very  little  if  any  benefit ;  on  the 
other  hand,  it  takes  up  much  time,  and  is  the  means  of  the 
ground  baking  hard  when  dried  by  the  sun  again.  When  they 
have  advanced  to  a  large  size,  all  the  care  that  is  required  is  to 
cut  off  the  overhanging  branches,  so  as  not  to  alloAV  them  to 
smother  each  other,  or  the  stems  of  those  overhung  will  become 
naked  and  unsightly. 


A  DESCRIPTIYE  LIST  OF  BULBOUS-ROOTED   PLANTS,  WITH 
DIRECTIONS  FOR  THEIR  CULTIVATION. 


"Fair-handed  Spring  unbosoms  everj^  grace  ; 
Throws  out  the  Snow-drop  and  the  Crocus  first ; 
The  Daisy,  Primrose,  Violet  darkly  blue, 
And  Polyanthus  of  unnumbered  dyes  ; 
The  yellow  Wall-flower  stained  with  iron-brown, 
And  lavish  stock  that  scents  the  garden  round." 


ANEMONE. 

Wind  Flower  —  Garden  Anemone. 

"  See  !  yon  Anemones  their  leaves  unfold, 
With  rubies  flaming,  and  with  living  gold." 

Very  little  attention  has  been  paid,  in  this  section  of  the 
country,  to  the  cultivation  of  this  most  beautiful  flower,  from 
the  fact,  probably,  that  it  will  not  stand  our  winters,  unless 
planted  in  a  frame,  or  otherwise  protected.  With  this  precau- 
tion, and  some  little  attention,  it  will  abundantly  repay  all  the 
labor  that  may  be  bestowed  upon  it. 

I  have  succeeded  very  well,  in  its  cultivation,  by  keeping  the 
roots  out  of  ground  until  March,  and  then  planting  them  in  a 
bed  prepared  in  the  fall,  that  had  been  kept  covered  till  the 
time  of  planting.  The  roots  of  Anemones  are  solid,  flattened 
masses,  like  those  of  ginger,  and,  like  them,  are  multiplied  by 
divisions  of  the  root. 

The  Anemone  kortensis,  or  garden  Anemone,  is  the  species 
from  which  all  the  fine  varieties  of  the  florist's  flowers  origi- 
nated. More  than  one  hundred  and  fifty  choice  varieties  are 
enumerated  in  some  of  the  Dutch  catalogues  of  the  present 
day,  classed  as  follows  :  —  red,  or  blood  color ;  rosy  and  white, 
flamed  with  purple  ;  sky  blue  ;  purple  or  ash  color  ;  rosy,  with 


ANEMONE.  45 

green,  and  white,  and  agate.     One  hundred  choicest  varieties 
may  be  obtained  for  50  francs,  or  about  $10. 

A  fine  double  Anemone  should  stand  upon  a  strong,  elastic, 
and  erect  stem,  not  less  than  nine  inches  high.  The  blossom, 
or  corolla,  should  be  at  least  two  and  a  half  inches  in  diameter. 
The  outer  petals,  or  guard  leaves,  should  be  substantial,  well 
rounded,  at  first  horizontally  extended,  and  then  turning  a  little 
upwards,  so  as  to  form  a  broad,  shallow  cup,  the  interior  part 
of  which  should  contain  a  great  number  of  long,  small  petals, 
imbricating  each  other,  and  rather  reverting  from  the  centre  of 
the  blossom.  There  are  a  great  number  of  small  stamens 
intermixed  with  these  petals,  but  they  are  short,  and  not  easily 
discernible.  The  color  should  be  clear  and  distinct  when 
diversified  in  the  same  flower,  or  brilliant  and  striking  if  it 
consists  only  of  one  color,  as  blue,  crimson,  or  scarlet,  &c.,  in 
which  case  the  bottom  of  the  broad  exterior  petals  is  generally 
white ;  but  the  beauty  and  contrast  are  greatly  increased  when 
both  the  exterior  and  interior  petals  are  regularly  marked  with 
alternate  blue  and  white,  or  pink  and  white  stripes,  &c.,  which 
in  the  broad  petals  should  not  extend  quite  to  the  margin. 

Propagation.  —  By  dividing  the  roots  for  the  fine  sorts,  and 
by  seed  for  new  varieties. 

Soil  and  Situation.  —  The  situation  should  be  open,  but  not 
exposed  to  currents  of  air.  As  to  the  soil  to  grow  them  in, 
various  are  the  composts  prescribed  by  florists.  They  require 
a  fresh,  strong,  rich,  loamy  soil.  Hogg  recommends  fresh 
loam,  with  a  considerable  portion  of  rotten  horse  or  cow  dung. 
The  bed  should  be  dug  eighteen  inches  deep,  and  filled  with 
the  rich  compost,  a  little  above  the  level  of  the  walk ;  then  lay 
a  stratum  of  good  rich  mould,  two  inches  deep,  over  the  com- 
post, on  which  to  plant  the  roots,  as  the  dung  or  very  rich 
compost  in  contact  with  the  roots  would  prove  injurious  rather 
than  beneficial. 

Planting.  —  After  the  bed  is  thus  prepared,  and  has  stood 
long  enough  to  settle,  the  frame  should  be  placed  upon  it. 
Fall  planting  is  much  the  best,  if  the  bed  can  be  kept  from 


w  breck's  book  of  flowers, 

very  severe  frost,  or  if  not  kept  so  warm  as  to  start  the  foliage. 
Late  fall  or  early  spring  planting  is  the  best. 

The  roots  should,  be  planted  in  rows  six  inches  apart,  and 
the  same  distance  from  each  other  in  the  rows.  A  little  care 
is  necessary,  in  planting,  to  place  the  roots  right-side  up.  By 
close  examination,  the  eyes,  from  which  the  stems  and  flowers 
are  to  proceed,  can  be  distinguished,  which,  of  course,  must  be 
planted  uppermost.  After  the  roots  are  placed  on  the  bed, 
they  must  be  carefully  covered  two  inches  deep  with  good 
sound  garden  mould.  This  is  the  proper  depth.  When  the 
bed  is  all  completed,  the  surface  should  be  three  or  four  inches 
above  the  walk.  They  will  be  in  flower  in  June,  and,  if  shaded 
from  the  sun,  will  continue  to  display  their  beauties  a  long 
time. 

Taking  up  the  Roots.  —  When  the  foliage  begins  to  turn 
brown  and  dry,  the  roots  should  be  taken  up  and  dried  in  the 
shade.  When  properly  dried  and  kept  from  moisture,  they 
may  be  kept  out  of  ground  two  or  three  years  without  injury. 


AMARYLLIS. 

Amaryllis  formosissima,  or  Jacobean  Lily,  is  a  flower  of  great 
beauty.  It  is  a  tender  bulb,  but  succeeds  well  when  planted 
in  May,  in  the  open  border,  in  a  rich,  sandy  soil.  The  top  of 
the  bulb  should  hardly  be  covered  with  earth.  The  flowers 
are  large  and  of  a  very  deep  red.  The  under  petals  hang 
down,  the  upper  curl  up,  and  the  whole  flower  stands  nodding 
on  one  side  of  the  stalk,  making  a  fine  appearance.  The  bulb 
rarely  produces  more  than  two  flowers,  and  more  frequently 
but  one,  about  one  foot  high,  flowering  in  June  or  July.  Upon 
the  approach  of  freezing  weather,  the  bulbs  must  be  taken  up, 
dried,  and  put  away  in  dry  sawdust,  where  they  will  be  secure 
from  frost. 


CROCUS  —  DAULIA. 


CROCUS, 


"  Glad  as  the  spring,  when  the  first  Crocus  comes 
To  laugh  amid  the  shower." 

The  Spring  Crocus  is  a  very  common  bulbous-rooted  plant, 
c  f  which  there  are  many  varieties  annually  imported  from 
Holland,  and  sold  at  very  low  prices.  The  most  prominent 
sorts  are  the  great  yellow,  deep  blue,  light  blue,  white  with 
blue  stripes,  blue  with  white  stripes,  white  with  a  purple 
base,  pure  white,  cloth  of  gold,  &c.  It  flowers  in  April,  and 
in  warm  seasons,  in  sheltered  places,  frequently  in  March. 
"Where  there  is  a  plenty  of  them,  they  make  a  magnificent 
show.  The  bulbs  are  small,  solid,  and  flat.  They  should  be 
planted,  in  September  or  October,  about  one  inch  or  one  and  a 
half  inches  deep,  in  any  good  garden  soil.  They  are  very  hardy, 
and  the  only  difficulty  is  their  liability  to  be  thrown  out  by  the 
frost,  when  the  ground  is  bare,  towards  spring.  To  remedy 
this  evil,  some  light  substance  should  be  thrown  over  them,  to 
shade  them  from  the  action  of  the  sun.  After  flowering,  when 
the  leaves  have  decayed,  the  roots  may  be  taken  up,  and  kept, 
until  they  are  wanted  to  plant  in  autumn,  in  some  cool,  dry 
place ;  or  they  may  remain  in  the  ground  a  number  of  years 
without  removing. 


DAHLIA. 

"  In  queenly  elegance  the  Dahlia  stands, 
And  waves  her  coronet." 

The  Dahlia  is  a  native  of  Mexico,  found  on  the  table  lands 
of  that  country,  and  I  have  sometimes  wished  it  had  been  let 
alone  there,  "to  waste  its  sweets  on  the  desert  air."  It  is  so 
capricious  in  its  flowering,  so  subject  to  the  ravages  of  insects, 
so  much  influenced  by  too  much  heat,  or  too  much  dryness,  or 
too  much  wet ;  and  then,  just  as  it  begins  to  give  promise  of 


•48  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

abundant  bloom,  having  escaped  all  the  casualties  of  the 
season,  is  cut  down  by  the  frost,  and  becomes  a  blackened, 
hideous  object  in  the  garden;  that,  after  many  disappointed 
hopes,  I  have  sometimes  been  disposed  to  say,  I  would  not  try 
it  again.  It  must  be  confessed,  however,  it  is  on  some  accounts 
desirable  :  the  flowers  are  large,  gorgeous  in  color,  sporting  into 
every  tint  except  blue.  The  shape,  too,  is  perfect,  although  a 
little  too  set  and  prim,  as  though  it  was  made  for  the  occasion. 
The  habits  of  the  plant  are  coarse  and  vulgar,  and  the  smell 
thereof  rather  repulsive ;  but,  with  all  its  failings,  it  is  a  popular 
flower,  —  one  which  will  find  favor  with  the  multitude. 

It  was  first  introduced  into  England  in  the  year  1789,  was 
but  little  noticed,  and  soon  lost.  It  was  reintroduced  in  1804, 
then  a  single  purple  flower  of  not  much  interest.  It  is  only 
within  the  last  twenty  years  that  it  has  received  the  attention 
of  the  florist.  From  the  single  purple  and  scarlet  variety,  all 
the  numerous  family  of  florists'  flowers  have  been  produced ;  a 
striking  example  of  what  may  be  done  by  patience  and  perse- 
verance in  the  skilful  cultivation  of  a  simple  flower. 

The  root  is  tuberous  and  tender.  Freezing  destroys  it  at 
once ;  it  can,  therefore,  be  planted  only  in  the  spring. 

Propagation.  —  It  is  propagated  by  seeds,  divisions  of  the 
root,  and  by  cuttings. 

By  Seed.  —  If  the  seed  is  sown  in  a  hot-bed,  in  April,  and 
the  plants  set  out  in  the  open  ground  in  June,  most  of  them 
will  flower  the  same  season,  and  though  not  one  in  a  hundred 
or  thousand  may  come  up  to  the  standard  of  a  perfect  flower, 
yet  it  is  very  interesting  to  mark  the  curious  sports  which  are 
often  made  in  these  seedings.  Many  of  them  will  make  a 
greater  show  in  the  shrubbery  than  the  more  perfect  sorts. 
What  is  lacking  in  shape  and  size,  is  made  up  in  the  profu- 
sion of  bloom. 

By  Divisiojis  of  the  Root.  —  This  is  the  most  common  mode 
of  propagation,  unless  it  be  with  the  nursery-man,  who  raises 
from  cuttings.  It  is  best  to  place  the  roots,  or  stool,  as  it  is  called, 
before  divided,  on  gentle  heat,  if  the  buds  have  not  started;  or 


DAHLIA.  49 

cover  them  over  with  a  little  earth,  in  a  warm  place,  the  begin- 
ning of  May,  so  as  to  start  the  buds  before  the  roots  are 
divided.  Without  this  course,  it  will  be  impossible  to  divide 
the  tubers  so  as  to  be  sure  of  a  bud  on  each ;  and  without  a  bud 
a  tuber  is  worthless.  The  buds  having  appeared,  clean  the 
roots  from  soil,  and  with  a  sharp  knife  divide  the  stool  in  such 
a  manner  that  a  bud  may  be  secured  to  each  division.  The 
smallest  tuber,  with  a  bud,  will  make  a  strong  plant. 

By  Cuttings.  —  This  process  requires  so  much  care  and 
attention,  that  I  must  refer  my  readers  to  works  on  the  subject 
of  propagation. 

Plants  raised  by  cuttings  have  never  succeeded  so  well  with 
me  as  from  divisions  of  the  root.  The  reason  may  be,  that  in 
the  propagation  of  new  varieties,  in  the  desire  to  realize  as 
much  as  possible,  weak  shoots  are  taken,  and  forced  so  rapidly, 
and  become  so  attenuated  and  weakened,  that  they  never 
recover.  True  it  is,  that,  after  paying  extravagant  prices  for 
new  sorts,  1  have  frequently  been  disappointed  in  not  having 
a  single  bloom ;  and,  what  is  worse,  the  roots  may  not  get 
strength  enough  to  stand  through  the  winter,  even  with  the 
greatest  care. 

Soil  and  Cultivation.  —  Too  much  has  been  said  and  written 
upon  the  cultivation  of  the  Dahlia.  After  following  the  direc- 
tions given  by  various  amateurs  and  writers,  and  after  taking 
much  pains  and  care  in  cultivation,  1  have  been  chagrined  to 
find  that  the  refuse  of  my  roots,  planted  without  care,  and  very 
little  manure,  in  yellow  loamy  soil,  have  far  outstripped  those 
on  which  more  abundant  pains  had  been  bestowed.  The 
Dahlia  likes  a  humid  atmosphere,  such  as  we  rarely  have  in 
this  country.  It  frequently  begins  to  flower,  and  promises 
well  in  July,  but  on  the  last  of  that  month  and  August  our 
scorching  sun  and  arid  atmosphere,  together  with  the  insects 
that  prey  upon  it,  operate  so  unfavorably  that  it  hardly  recovers 
before  it  is  overtaken  with  frost.  While  I  resided  in  Lancas- 
ter, my  garden  was  situated  on  the  banks  of  a  branch  of  the 
Nashua  River.  In  hot  weather,  a  damp  or  mist  rose  from  the 
5 


50^  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

river  every  night,  and  gave  my  Dahlia  plants  a  good  wetting. 
I  did  not  have  any  difficulty  then  with  the  Dahlia ;  it  flowered 
in  great  profusion,  having  had  nearly  one  hundred  blooms 
upon  a  plant  at  one  time.  The  mode  of  cultivation  then  was  : 
first,  a  hole  excavated  two  or  three  feet  across,  and  about  fifteen 
inches  deep,  the  poor  soil  taken  out,  and  its  place  supplied  with 
the  adjoining  surface  soil,  then  about  two  shovelfuls  of  strong 
manure,  partly  decomposed,  from  the  stable,  thrown  in  and 
well  incorporated  with  the  soil ;  then  the  stake  for  the  support 
of  the  plant  firmly  fixed  in  the  ground;  then  the  surface 
levelled,  and  all  was  ready  for  planting.  If  tubers  are  used 
without  being  forced,  they  may  be  planted  any  time  after  the 
middle  of  May,  covering  the  crown  of  the  tuber  about  two 
inches,  slanting  the  other  end  downwards.  Plants,  raised  in 
pots  or  cuttings,  may  be  turned  into  the  ground  any  time  in 
June.  I  have  succeeded  in  producing  fine  flowers  from  dry 
tubers  planted  the  first  of  July.  As  a  general  rule,  let  the  soil 
be  rich  and  deep ;  let  the  plants  be  well  attended  to  by  tying 
up  to  the  stake,  —  which  should  be  strong,  and  from  five  to  six 
feet  above  the  surface.  As  the  plants  advance,  syringe  the 
foliage  every  night  in  dry  weather;  sift  over  the  plants  fine 
air-slacked  lime  to  kill  the  insects,  if  you  can ;  mulch  the 
ground  about  them;  give  them  guano-water  twice  a  week  in 
August;  and,  if  you  are  rewarded  for  your  pains,  it  is  more 
than  I  have  been  in  most  seasons. 

Dahlias  look  best  when  planted  in  groups,  as  they  hide  each 
other's  ugliness,  and  if  they  fiower,  and  a  variety  of  colors 
be  combined  in  the  group,  they  make  a  very  imposing  appear- 
ance. 

Taking  up  mid  Preserving  the  Roots.  —  When  the  first  frost 
strikes  the  Dahlias  so  as  to  blacken  the  plant,  a  few  inches  of 
soil  should  be  added  to  the  crown  of  the  plant,  to  prevent  the 
tubers  from  being  injured  by  freezing,  which  might  happen 
unexpectedly  some  cold  night.  Taking  some  pleasant  day,  the 
last  of  October  or  the  first  of  November,  the  tops  of  the  plants 
should  be  cut  down  near  the  ground,  and  the  stakes  pulled  up. 


FERRARIA.  51 

Then  very  carefully  lift  the  roots  from  the  ground.  This  is 
best  done  by  two  persons,  with  spades,  operating  on  each  side 
of  the  roots,  as  when  taken  from  the  ground  they  are  very  brittle 
and  easily  broken  off.  Let  them  be  carefully  deposited  on  the 
surface,  where  they  should  remain  during  the  day  exposed  to 
the  sun  and  air.  Before  night  sets  in,  they  should  be  removed 
to  a  dry,  airy  cellar,  and  deposited  on  shelves  raised  a  few  feet 
from  the  cellar  bottom ;  here  they  will  remain  with  perfect 
safety,  provided  they  can  have  a  little  air  occasionally  in 
pleasant  weather.  They  should,  however,  be  placed  singly  on 
the  shelves ;  as,  when  they  are  packed  close,  or  one  upon 
another,  they  are  liable  to  mould  and  decay.  The  most  danger 
to  be  apprehended  is  from  excessive  dampness ;  but  sometimes 
roots  kept  in  a  cellar  where  there  is  a  furnace,  may  be 
injured  by  excessive  dryness,  and  the  roots  become  shrivelled 
and  dried.  There  is  no  danger  from  rats  or  mice  or  any  other 
creature.  I  never  knew  an  animal  to  touch  them.  You  could 
not  catch  an  old  rat  even  to  smell  of  them  the  second  time. 


FERRARIA. 

Tiger  Flower. 

The  Mexican  Tiger  Flower,  or  Ferraria  pavonia,  and  F. 
conchijlora,  are  flowers  of  exquisite  beauty.  The  bulbs  are 
tunicated,  producing  from  one  to  four  stems  each,  from  eigh- 
teen inches  to  two  feet  high  ;  the  flowers  are  of  short  duration. 
It  is  born  to  display  its  glory  but  for  a  few  hours,  when  the 
sun  totally  destroys  all  vestiges  of  its  beauty ;  but,  to  compen- 
sate for  this  sudden  decline,  it  continues  to  produce  its  flowers 
a  number  of  weeks.  The  shape  of  the  flower  is  singularly 
curious,  and  the  coloring  of  each  variety  gorgeous.  The 
flowers  of  the  first-named  variety  are  of  the  richest  scarlet 
imaginable,  variegated  with  a  bright  golden  yellow.  The 
ground-work  of  F.  conchijlora  is  of  the  richest  orange,  varie- 


52  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

gated  with  light  yellow,  and  spotted  with  black.  No  flower 
can  exceed  it  in  beauty ;  but  nature  does  not  lavish  all  her 
sweets  upon  one  flower ;  —  in  this  there  is  no  scent.  The 
flowers  are  large,  and  produced  in  July  and  August.  It  is 
properly  a  green-house  plant,  but  is  easily  cultivated  in  the 
open  air.  The  bulbs  should  be  planted  about  the  middle  of 
May,  about  two  inches  deep,  in  any  rich  garden-soil,  and 
require  no  particular  care.  The  bulbs  and  offsets  should 
be  taken  up  in  October,  and  dried ;  but  be  particular  not  to 
expose  them  to  frost  while  drying,  or  at  any  other  time,  as  that 
would  destroy  them.  They  may  be  kept  in  dry  sand,  saw- 
dust, or  moss,  until  the  time  of  planting  in  the  spring.  The 
mice  are  very  fond  of  the  roots,  and,  if  they  find  them,  but  few, 
if  any,  will  be  left  to  plant. 


FRITILLARIA. 

Fritillary. 

The  Crown  Imperial,  or  Fritillaria  imperialis,  is  supposed 
to  be  a  native  of  Persia.  There  are  many  varieties ;  all  hand- 
some, varying  in  color;  viz.,  bright  yellow,  scarlet,  orange 
scarlet,  double  red,  double  yellow,  gold-striped-leaved,  silver- 
striped-leaved,  &c.  This  species  is  less  esteemed  that  its 
beauty  merits,  on  account  of  its  strong,  and,  to  some,  its  disa- 
greeable scent.  It  flowers  in  April ;  the  bulb  throws  up  a 
strong,  vigorous  stem,  three  or  four  feet  high,  producing  near  the 
top  a  crown  of  beautiful,  drooping,  bell-shaped  flowers,  making 
a  very  conspicuous  object  at  a  season  when  but  few  flowers 
grace  the  garden.  Above  the  crown  of  flowers  the  stem  ter- 
minates in  a  tuft  of  its  glossy  green  foliage.  The  nectaries  are 
very  curious ;  each  cell,  six  in  number,  contains  a  large  drop, 
which  looks  like  a  brilliant  pearl.  When  the  flower  decays, 
the  seed-vessels  take  the  reverse  of  the  flower,  and  stand  erect. 
The  bulbs  are  large  and  fleshy,  somewhat  solid :  they  do  not 


GALANTHTJS.  53 

keep  well  long  out  of  the  ground.  When  the  stem  dies  down, 
the  root  should  be  taken  up  and  replanted,  if  necessary ;  but 
this  need  not  be  done  oftener  than  once  in  four  or  five  years. 
They  should  be  planted  four  inches  deep,  in  a  rich,  deep  garden 
soil. 

The  Persian  Fritillary  or  Persian  Lily,  {Fritillaria  Persica,) 
bears  a  spike  of  brownish-purple  flowers,  growing  at  the  top  of 
the  stem  in  the  form  of  a  pyramid ;  they  open  in  May ;  stems 
three  feet  high ;  bulb  similar  to  the  last,  except  more  elon- 
gated.    To  be  treated  in  every  way  like  the  Crown  Imperial. 

The  Common  Fritillary,  or  Chequered  Lily,  {F.  melegaris,) 
is  sometimes  called  the  Guinea  Hen  Flower,  on  account  of  its 
chequered  or  spotted  flowers.  There  are  many  varieties  ;  the 
colors,  various  shades  of  brown,  purple,  and  yellow,  curiously 
mottled,  spotted  or  chequered.  The  bulbs  are  about  the  size 
of  the  crocus  roots,  of  the  character  of  the  other  fritillary  bulbs, 
but  more  flattened ;  stems  eight  or  ten  inches  high,  with  one  or 
more  gracefully-drooping,  bell-shaped  flowers,  in  April  or  May; 
to  be  planted  in  groups  in  good  garden  soil,  two  inches  deep. 
They  should  not  be  kept  long  out  of  the  ground. 


GALANTHUS. 

Snow-Drop. 

"  Already  now  the  Snow-drop  dares  appear, 
The  first  pale  blossom  of  the  unripeiied  year  ; 
And  Flora's  breath,  by  some  transforming  power, 
Had  changed  an  icicle  into  a  flower." 

Galanthus  nivalis.  —  The  Snow-drop  is  the  earliest  flower  of 
all  the  garden  tribe,  and  will  even  show  her  head  above  the 
snow,  as  if  to  prove  her  rivalry  with  whiteness.  Every  third 
year  the  roots  should  be  taken  up,  in  June  or  July,  when  the 
leaves  are  decayed  and  kept  in  a  dry  place  till  August,  when 
they  should  be  replanted.  The  bulbs  are  very  small.  To 
5* 


54  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

make  them  look  well  and  to  produce  a  pretty  effect  when  in 
bloom,  about  twenty  should  be  planted  together  in  a  clump,  one 
and  one  half  or  two  inches  deep.  There  is  a  variety  with 
double  flowers ;  both  sorts  desirable ;  about  six  inches  high  in 
March  and  April, 

"  The  Snow-drop,  who,  in  hahit  white  and  plain, 
Comes  on,  the  herald  of  fair  Flora's  train." 

There  is  a  flower  called  the  Leucojum,  or  Great  Snow-Drop, 
very  similar  to  this,  but  twice  the  size.  Of  this  there  are  three 
kinds :  the  Spring,  the  Summer,  and  the  Autumnal  Snow-drop, 
The  bulbs  are  much  larger;  should  be  planted  five  inches  from 
each  other,  four  inches  deep.  "  We  look  upon  the  snow-drop 
as  a  friend  in  adversity,  sure  to  appear  when  most  needed." 

"Lone  flower,  hemmed  in  with  snows,  and  white  as  they." 


GLADIOLUS. 

Corn-Flag.  ^ 

Gladiolus  communis  is  a  hardy,  showy  border-flower,  of 
which  there  are  several  varieties  in  cultivation,  viz.,  white, 
purple,  and  red.  They  should  be  planted  in  October,  on  a  rich 
sandy  soil,  about  two  and  a  half  inches  deep,  and  require 
little  protection,  except  the  purple  variety.  They  have  a  flag- 
like foliage,  and  produce  their  flowers  on  long,  one-sided 
spikes,  or  racemes,  about  two  feet  high,  in  June  and  July.  The 
bulbs  have  some  resemblance  to  those  of  the  crocus,  and 
are  treated  in  the  same  way. 

Gladiolus  hyzanteum  is  also  hardy,  and  requires  the  same 
treatment ;  flowers  purplish-red.  The  Gladiolus  family  in- 
cludes many  brilliant  species  and  varieties  ;  most  of  them 
green-house  plants.  Many  of  them,  however,  succeed  well  in 
the  open  ground,  when  planted  in  the  border  in  May ;  but  it  is 
necessary  to  take  them  up  in  October,  and  keep  the  roots  dry, 


I 


HYACINTHS.  55 

and  from  the  frost,  till  the  time  of  planting  again.  All  the 
species  delight  in  a  rich,  light,  sandy  loam,  and  should  not  be 
planted  more  than  one  and  a  half  inches  under  the  surface. 

Gladiolus  natalensis,  called  by  some  psittacinus,  has  not 
been  known  many  years  among  us,  and  was  considered,  when 
first  introduced,  as  being  very  superb;  but  it  has  such  a  pro- 
pensity to  increase,  that  it  has  become  very  common,  and  is 
now  looked  upon  with  indifference.  The  flowers  are  scarlet, 
on  a  greenish-yellow  ground,  produced  in  long,  one-sided 
spikes ;  the  stems  sometimes  four  feet  high,  with  fifteen  or 
twenty  buds  and  blooms.     In  perfection  in  August. 

G.  natalensis  has,  within  a  few  years,  been  eclipsed  by  the 
magnificent  variety,  G.  gandavensis,  producing  long  spikes  of 
the  most  vivid  scarlet  flowers.  I  have  had  flowering  stems 
four  and  five  feet  high,  which  threw  out  a  succession  of  spikes 
of  its  rich  and  brilliant  blossoms. 

G.  Jloribunda  is  another  beautiful  species,  with  a  profusion 
of  delicate  pink  flowers,  marked  with  purple,  about  two  or 
three  feet  high,  in  August.  The  treatment  of  all  the  tender  vari- 
eties is  similar ;  if  they  are  planted  in  pots,  forwarded  in  a 
hot  bed,  and  turned  into  the  open  ground  in  June,  they  flower 
some  earlier,  and  grow  stronger. 

There  are  other  beautiful  species  and  varieties,  one  of  which 
is  G.  cardinalis,  with  scarlet  flowers  spotted  with  white,  but 
most  of  them  do  not  succeed  well  in  the  open  ground. 


HYACINTHUS. 

Garden  Hyacinth. 

"  Hyacinth,  with  sapphire  bell 
Curling  backwards." 

"  The  youths  whose  locks  divinely  spreading, 
Like  vernal  Hyacinths  in  sullen  hue." 

The  Hyacinth  is  a  highly  esteemed  florist's  flower,  of  easy 
culture,  of  which  more  than  one  thousand  varieties  are  culti- 


56  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

vated  in  Holland,  forming  quite  an  important  item  in  the  exports 
of  that  country,  and  from  whence,  Great  Britain,  the  United 
States,  and  all  Europe,  receive  their  annual  supplies,  and,  in 
fact,  all  parts  of  the  world.  Hyacinths  are  double  and  single  ; 
of  various  colors,  embracing  every  shade  of  red,  from  a  deep 
crimson  pink  down  to  white ;  of  blue,  from  white  to  almost  black, 
and  some  few  yellow  and  salmon  color ;  but  the  shades  of  yel- 
low are  not  very  brilliant,  and  appear  yellow  only  in  contrast  with 
the  white.  Some  of  the  white,  and  other  light  varieties,  have 
red,  blue,  purple  or  yellow  eyes,  which  add  much  to  the  beauty 
of  the  flower ;  and  others  are  more  or  less  striped  or  shaded  ; 
and  some  are  tipped  with  green.  The  double  varieties  are 
generally  considered  the  finest,  but  many  of  the  single  sorts 
are  equally  desirable,  as  what  is  deficient  in  the  size  of  the  bell 
is  made  up  in  the  greater  number  of  them  ;  some  of  the  single 
sorts  are  the  richest  in  color. 

The  stem  of  a  fine  double  Hyacinth  should  be  strong,  tall, 
and  erect,  supporting  numerous  large  bells,  each  suspended  by 
a  short  and  strong  peduncle,  or  foot-stalk,  in  a  horizontal  posi- 
tion, so  that  the  whole  may  have  a  compact  pyramidal  form, 
with  the  crown,  or  uppermost  bell,  perfectly  erect. 

The  bells  should  be  large  and  very  double  ;  that  is,  well 
filled  with  broad  petals,  appearing  to  the  eye  rather  convex,  than 
flat  or  hollow  ;  they  should  occupy  about  one  half  the  length 
of  the  stem. 

The  colors  should  be  clear  and  bright,  whether  plain  red, 
white,  or  blue,  or  variously  intermixed,  or  diversified  in  the 
eye  ;  the  latter,  it  must  be  confessed,  gives  additional  lustre 
and  elegance  to  this  beautiful  flower. 

Strong  bright  colors  are,  in  general,  preferred  to  such  as  are 
pale  ;  there  are,  however,  many  rose-colored,  pure  white,  and 
light  blue  Hyacinths,  in  high  estimation.  Hyacinths  begin  to 
flower  the  last  of  April  in  this  climate,  and,  if  shaded  by  an 
awning  from  hot  suns,  may  be  kept  in  perfection  the  greater 
part  of  a  month.  They  never  require  watering  at  any  season ; 
keep  them  free  from  weeds ;  as  the  stems  advance  in  height, 


HFACINTHS.  57 

they  should  be  supported  by  having  small  sticks,  or  wires, 
painted  green,  stuck  into  the  ground  back  of  the  bulb,  to  which 
they  should  be  neatly  tied ;  otherwise,  they  are  liable  to  fall 
down  by  the  weight  of  the  bells,  and,  as  the  stem  is  very  brittle, 
it  is  sometimes  broken  off  when  exposed  to  storms. 

The  most  suitable  time  to  plant  Hyacinths  is  in  October  and 
November.  The  finer  sorts  will  appear  to  the  best  advantage 
in  beds,  while  the  more  common  varieties  may  be  distributed 
about  the  borders  where  most  convenient.  The  dimensions  of 
the  bed  should  be  marked  out,  and  the  soil  taken  entirely  away 
to  the  depth  of  two  feet ;  the  earth  on  the  bottom  should  then 
be  dug  and  well  pulverized,  and  the  space  above  filled  with  the 
following  compost :  — 

"  One  third  river  or  sea  sand ;  one  third  fresh,  sound  earth  ; 
one  fourth  rotten  cow  dung,  at  least  two  years  old ;  and  one 
twelfth  of  earth,  of  decayed  leaves,  or  decayed  peat.  The  fresh, 
sound  earth  of  the  compost  should  be  of  the  best  quality  of 
what  is  called  virgin  soil,  or  that  obtained  from  pastures  or  the 
roadside,  well  rotted ;  or,  if  that  is  not  obtainable,  the  best  garden 
mould,  free  from  noxious  vermin  of  every  description.  These 
ingredients  should  be  well  mixed  and  incorporated  a  considera- 
ble time  before  wanted.  About  ten  days  before  planting,  the 
bed  should  be  filled  up  with  the  compost,  even  with  the  path, 
or  so  as  to  be  even  when  the  roots  are  set.  The  surface  of  the 
bed  should  be  raked  perfectly  smooth  before  planting,  and  the 
exact  situation  for  every  bulb  marked  on  it  as  follows  :  — 

RBWRBWRBW 
WRBWRBWRB 

RBWRBWRBW 
WRBWRBWRB 

RBWRBWRBW 
WRBWRBWRB 

The  letters  R,  b,  w,  denote  the  color  of  the  flower  to  be  planted 
there,  viz.,  red,  blue,  or  white ;  under  these  heads,  all  Hya- 


58  breck's  book  of  flowers, 

cinths  may  be  comprehended,  except  a  few  yellow  sorts,  which 
may  be  classed  with  the  white."  The  bed  should  be  four  feet 
wide  ;  the  bulbs  to  be  planted  eight  inches  distant  from  each 
other  in  the  rows,  and  to  be  covered  four  inches  deep.  First 
place  about  one  inch  of  fine  sand  where  each  root  is  to  be 
placed,  then  press  the  bulb  into  the  soil  nearly  its  whole  thick- 
ness, and  cover  it  completely  with  fine  clean  sand.  Having 
completed  the  planting,  the  whole  may  be  covered  with  sound, 
fresh,  sandy  earth,  four  inches  deep.  Before  winter  sets  in, 
Hyacinths  should  be  covered  a  few  inches  deep  with  leaves, 
straw,  meadow  hay,  or  any  other  light  substances  ;  they  are, 
however,  perfectly  hardy,  but  the  bloom  is  more  perfect  when 
thus  covered.  In  selecting  bulbs,  be  careful  to  procure  good 
sound  roots  ;  for  an  imperfect  root  is  not  worth  planting,  and 
many  there  are,  sold  every  year  by  thousands,  at  auction,  which 
are  generally  the  refuse  of  the  Dutch  gardens.  A  good  root  is 
perfectly  hard,  and  bright,  without  specks  of  rot  upon  it,  and 
one  that  has  not  pushed  a  bud.  Eoots  of  the  finest  varieties 
can  be  purchased  for  fifteen  to  twenty  dollars  per  hundred,  with 
their  names  and  colors ;  and  very  fair  sorts  for  less ;  and 
mixed  sorts,  with  colors  distinct,  from  six  to  ten  dollars. 

In  about  one  month  after  the  bloom  is  over,  and  the  foliage 
begins  to  turn  yellow,  the  bulbs  may  be  taken  up,  cutting  off  the 
flower  stems,  but  not  the  foliage,  and,  having  prepared  a  slop- 
ing bed  of  light  earth,  the  bu]bs  may  be  laid  upon  it,  so  as  not 
to  touch,  with  the  foliage  downwards,  covering  the  roots  and 
fibres  with  earth.  Here  they  remain  till  the  bulbs  are  suffi- 
ciently ripened,  which  will  be  in  about  one  fortnight,  when 
they  may  be  taken  up,  and,  after  they  have  been  dried,  cleaned 
from  the  fibres,  soil,  &c.,  then  wrapped  up  in  papers,  dry 
sand,  or  dry  sawdust,  and  kept  in  a  dry  place  until  wanted  for 
use.  Or  the  roots  may  remain  in  the  bed  until  the  foliage  has 
completely  dried  down,  and  then  taken  up,  dried  and  cleaned, 
as  before  stated. 

The  Starry  Hyacinth,  or  Scilla  Peruviana,  is  a  very  pretty 
bulbous-rooted  plant,  with  dark  blue  starry  flowers  in  May 


IRIS.  59 

and  June,  worthy  a  place  in  the  border  in  large  collections  of 
plants,  —  nine  inches  high. 

The  Grape  Hyacinth,  Muscari  moschatum,  is  a  pretty, 
hardy,  bulbous-rooted  plant,  with  dark,  light  blue,  or  white 
flowers,  having  a  strong  smell  of  musk.  M.  monstrosum,  or 
Feathered  Hyacinth,  is  a  most  ornamental,  hardy  border  flower; 
the  bulb  is  large,  ovate  and  solid ;  the  leaves  narrow,  a  foot 
long,  with  obtuse  points ;  the  flower-stalks  rise  nearly  a  foot  and 
a  half  high ;  they  are  naked  at  the  bottom  for  about  seven  or 
eight  inches,  above  which  the  panicles  of  flowers  begin,  and 
terminate  the  stalks.  The  flowers  stand  upon  the  peduncles, 
which  are  more  than  an  inch  long,  each  sustaining  three,  four, 
or  five  flowers,  whose  petals  are  cut  into  slender  filaments,  like 
hairs ;  they  are  of  a  purplish-blue  color,  and,  having  neither 
stamens  nor  germs,  never  produce  seeds.  M.  lotryoides  is 
another  pretty  species,  with  varieties  of  blue,  white,  and  flesh- 
colored  flowers,  all  small,  bulbous-rooted  plants,  obtained  from 
Holland  as  species  of  Hyacinths,  with  solid  bulbs,  producing 
spikes  of  pretty,  bell-shaped  flowers  a  foot  high,  flowering  in 
June.  All  are  hardy,  and  may  be  planted  in  any  good  garden 
soil,  about  three  inches  deep,  five  or  six  roots  in  a  group ;  they 
need  not  be  taken  up  oftener  than  once  in  three  years,  and  then 
should  not  be  kept  long  out  of  the  ground. 


IRIS. 

Flower-de-luce. 

"  The  Flower-de-luce,  and  the  round  sparks  of  dew, 
That  hung  upon  their  azure  leaves,  did  show- 
Like  twinkling  stars,  that  sparkle  in  the  evening  dew." 

The  Iris  is  a  very  extensive  and  beautiful  family,  claiming 
the  whole  world  as  her  country.  Some  of  the  species  have 
very  large  flowers,  which,  from  their  being  very  vivid,  and 
several  uniting  in  the  same  blossom,  are  extremely  showy. 


^0  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

Many  of  them  are  bulbous-rooted  ;  of  these  we  shall  treat  in 
this  place,  reserving  the  fibrous  and  most  of  the  tuberous- 
rooted  to  describe  under  the  head  of  herbaceous  perennials. 
One  of  the  most  esteemed  bulbous-rooted  Iris,  is  the  Persian, 
on  account  of  the  beauty  and  fragrance  of  its  flowers.  It  is 
also  very  early,  but  not  perfectly  hardy.  It  is  valued  for  forc- 
ing, as  a  few  of  its  flowers  will  scent  a  whole  room ;  their 
colors  are  pale  sky-blue,  purple,  yellow,  and  sometimes  white. 
The  Spanish  Iris,  or  I.  xipkium,  is  a  very  pretty  border  flower, 
of  many  varieties,  all  rich  and  elegant ;  embracing  the  most 
delicate  shades  of  light  and  dark  blue,  brown,  purple,  yellow, 
and  white.  Many  of  the  varieties  are  various  colored,  striped 
or  spotted;  the  bulbs  are  small,  tooth-like,  sending  forth  rush- 
like foliage,  with  flowers  in  June,  on  stems  about  eighteen 
inches  high.  These  bulbs,  as  well  as  the  other  species  named 
here,  should  be  planted  about  two  and  a  half  inches  deep,  in  a 
light  and  rich  garden  soil ;  the  proper  time  is  in  October  and 
November,  and,  excepting  I.  susiana,  need  not  be  taken  up 
oftener  than  once  in  three  years. 

The  English  Iris,  or  I.  xiphioides,  is  somewhat  similar  to  the 
last,  but  more  robust  in  its  growth ;  the  bulbs  are  larger,  and 
the  stem  two  feet  or  more  high,  producing  its  flowers  in  June, 
which  are  as  various  in  color  as  the  Spanish,  and  as  desirable 
for  the  border. 

Iris  chalcedonica,  or  /.  susiana,  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful 
of  the  race ;  it  is  not  a  bulbous  root,  but  tuberous,  imported 
with  the  bulbous  kinds  from  Holland,  and  planted  at  the  same 
time,  and  manner,  except  the  soil  should  be  of  a  more  loamy 
character.  It  has  the  largest  flowers  of  any  of  the  species,  and 
the  most  magnificent  of  them  all.  The  colors  of  the  flowers 
are  of  various  shades  of  the  richest  purplish  brown,  beautifully 
mottled  and  spotted,  so  as  to  give  it  a  very  rich  and  unique 
appearance.  It  produces  its  flowers  in  June,  on  stems  a  foot 
high.  It  may  be  increased  by  parting  the  roots  in  autumn. 
This  splendid  flower  is\  reputed  'to  be  tender  ;  but  I  have  suc- 
ceeded in  planting  it  in  October  and  November,  and  even  in 


LILIUM. 


December,  with  success,  giving  the  same  protection  as  to  Tulips 
or  Hyacinths ;  but  if  the  roots  are  suffered  to  remain  in  the 
ground  after  flowering,  it  will  never  bloom  again,  and  most 
assuredly  perish.  Our  season  is  too  long  for  it ;  if  left  in  the 
ground  through  the  summer,  it  commences  growing  in  autumn, 
forms  its  flower  buds  before  winter  sets  in,  and  dies.  Ob- 
serving this,  I  have  taken  up  the  roots  the  first  of  August,  and 
kept  them  out  of  ground  till  the  time  of  planting  in  autumn, 
with  perfect  success.  After  drying,  the  roots  may  be  kept  in 
dry  sand  or  moss. 


LILIUM. 
The  Lily. 

"  Have  you  seen  but  a  bright  Lily  grow, 
Before  rude  hands  have  touched  it  ?  " 

' '  Queen  of  the  field,  in  milk-white  mantle  drest, 
The  lovely  Lily  waved  her  curling  crest." 

All  the  species  of  this  splendid  genus,  with  which  we  are 
acquainted,  may  be  considered  worthy  of  a  place  in  every  good 
collection  of  plants.  Many  of  the  species  are  well  known, 
while  a  greater  number  are  not  often  seen  in  our  gardens. 

The  Lily  is  an  interesting  flower  to  the  young  florist  as  well 
as  the  botanist,  on  account  of  the  simplicity  of  its  structure 
and  magnitude  and  distinct  character  of  its  different  parts  and 
organs.  The  root  of  the  Lily,  or  what  is  generally  denomi- 
nated the  root,  is  a  scaly  bulb,  the  scales  being  laid  over  each 
other  in  an  imbricate  form,  inclosing  the  germ,  or  bud.  The 
bulb  is  not  a  root,  strictly  speaking,  but  a  bud  containing  the 
embryo  of  the  future  plant.  The  roots  are  thrown  out  from 
the  bottom  of  these  bulbs,  or  buds,  and,  unlike  the  fibres  of  the 
Tulip,  are  perennial ;  and  on  their  strength  depends,  in  a  great 
measure,  the  vigor  of  the  future  plant.  Bulbs,  long  kept  out 
of  ground,  are  very  much  weakened,  and  a  number  of  years 
will  elapse  before  they  recover  strength  to  bloom  in  great  per- 
6 


62  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

fection.  After  the  flowering  of  the  Lily,  in  August,  the  foliage 
of  many  species  decays  ;  the  bulbs  then  are  in  the  most  perfect 
state  for  transplanting.  If  they  are  permitted  to  remain  long 
after  this,  and  the  foliage  begins  to  start  again,  they  will  not 
bloom  so  strong  the  next  year.  The  Lily  should  not  be  moved 
any  oftener  than  is  necessary.  It  is  not  like  the  Tulip  and 
many  other  bulbs,  which  are  not  injured,  but  rather  improved, 
by  taking  them  up  annually  after  flowering.  The  Lily  will 
do  well  in  anj?-  well  prepared  border  or  bed.  To  have  them  in 
perfection,  the  soil  should  be  excavated  eighteen  inches  deep, 
and  filled  with  a  compost  of  peat,  or  swamp  muck,  undecayed 
manure,  or  leaf  mould,  a  foot  deep  ;  the  remaining  six  inches 
may  be  peat  and  rich  mould.  The  bulbs  of  strong-growing 
Lilies  may  be  planted  from  four  to  five  inches  deep ;  and 
weaker  sorts  from  three  to  four  inches.  In  the  borders,  three 
bulbs,  of  the  stronger-growing  varieties,  are  enough  for  one 
group,  or  five,  of  the  weaker  sorts.  They  have  a  pleasing 
effect  when  planted  in  masses ;  or  they  may  be  planted  in 
beds.  Most  of  the  species  are  quite  hardy ;  but  they  will  all 
be  benefited,  and  bloom  more  strongly,  provided  they  receive  a 
covering  of  rotten  manure  before  winter  sets  in. 

Lilium  candidum.  —  The  Old  White  Lily.  —  This  species  has 
always  been  considered  the  emblem  of  whiteness,  and  is  too 
well  known  to  require  any  description.  A  mass  of  White  Lilies 
is  always  beheld  with  admiration,  and  they  perfume  the  air 
with  their  delicious  fragrance.  The  White  Lily  is,  therefore, 
indispensable,  and  should  be  found  in  every  garden.  It  some- 
times attains  the  height  of  three  or  four  feet,  and  is  in  flower 
about  the  first  of  July. 

Lilium  candidum  fiore  pleno.  —  The  Double  White  Lily.  — 
A  variety  of  the  double  white ;  it  is  curious,  but  not  beautiful. 
The  inflorescence  appears  to  be  a  continuation  of  the  foliage, 
which,  as  it  terminates  the  stem,  gradually  assumes  the  char- 
acter of  petals,  with  the  whiteness  of  the  simple  flower.  It  is 
a  monster,  and  for  that  reason  may  be  fancied  by  some. 

Lilium  candidum  fiore  variegata.  —  The  Variegated  White 


Lily.  —  This  is  another  variety  of  the  White  Lily,  and  not 
very  desirable.  The  purity  of  the  white  is  destroyed  by  the 
dull  purple  stripes  that  mark  the  petals,  and  give  it  a  dingy 
appearance. 

Liliuvi  longiflorum.  —  The  Long-flowered  White  Lily.  — 
This  is  a  very  beautiful  and  fragrant  species,  not  quite  so  hardy 
as  the  common  White  Lily,  but  stands  the  winter  well,  when 
protected.  The  flowers,  pure  white,  very  long  and  large,  pro- 
duced in  July. 

Lilium  martagon.  —  Turk's  Cap  Lily.  —  There  are  many 
varieties  of  this  species  ;  some  with  pure  white,  others  with 
purple,  spotted,  or  variegated  flowers.  The  petals  are  very 
much  reflexed,  giving  them  the  appearance  of  caps.  In  strong 
soil,  and  the  roots  well  established,  the  stems  are  sometimes 
thrown  up  from  three  to  five  feet,  producing  twenty  or  thirty 
flowers,  flowering  in  July. 

Liliuvi  candidum  folia  variegata.  —  The  Gold-striped  Lily. 
—  There  are  two  varieties  of  garden  White  Lily  with  striped 
leaves,  one  having  yellow,  the  other  white  striped  foliage  ;  both 
pretty  in  a  collection. 

Lilium  umbellatum.  —  The  Umbel-flowered  Orange  Lily.  — 
This  is  a  strong-growing  species,  producing  quite  a  num- 
ber of  large,  upright  orange  flowers,  with  rough  interior.  In 
contrast  with  the  White  Lily,  it  makes  an  imposing  appearance. 
It  flowers  about  the  first  of  July. 

Lilium  auranticum.  —  The  Dwarf  Orange  Lily.  —  More 
dwarfish  than  the  last;  about  two  feet  high,  with  three  or  four 
upright  orange  flowers  on  a  stem ;  in  flower  in  July. 

Lilium  tigrinum.  —  Tiger-spotted  Lily.  —  A  very  common, 
strong-growing  species  ;  but  very  showy,  having  fine,  reflexed, 
orange  flowers,  with  black  spots.  It  has  the  peculiarity  of 
producing  small  bulbs  in  the  axil  of  the  leaves.  It  grows  from 
four  to  six  feet  high,  flowering  in  August,  and  is  a  suitable 
plant  for  the  shrubbery  as  well  as  the  border.  It  is  very  easily 
propagated,  as  all  the  axil  bulbs,  when  planted  in  the  ground, 
soon  produce  flowering  plants. 


O?  BRECK'S    book    of    FLQ-Vl^RS. 

Lilium  pomponicum.  —  Scarlet  Pompone  Lily.  —  This  is  a 
beautiful  species,  with  scarlet  reflexed  petals,  flowering;  in  June 
and  July.  It  is  rather  a  shy  flowerer,  and  has  not  flourished 
so  well  v/ith  us  as  some  other  sorts. 

Lilium  chalcedonicum.  —  Scarlet  Martagon  Lily.  —  This  is 
another  fine  scarlet  lily,  with  reflexed  petals,  growing  three 
or  four  feet  high,  and  flowering  in  July. 

L.  pyrenaicum,  with  reflexed  yellow  flowers,  with  scarlet 
anthers,  we  have  in  our  collection ;  very  pretty,  but  producing 
only  from  one  to  three  flowers  in  each  stem.  Among  other 
beautiful  varieties,  or  species,  are  L.  catesbcei,  a  native  of  the 
south,  with  orange-colored  flowers,  and  dwarf  in  its  habits. 
L.  CarolinaivUm,  from  Carolina,  somewhat  like  L.  superbum ; 
L.  monadelphum,  a  species  of  Martagon,  from  Caucasus ;  L. 
croceum,  puviilum,  and  many  others,  which  may  be  obtained 
from  the  Dutch  florists.  Lily  bulbs,  when  transported  from 
Holland,  are  so  much  weakened,  from  being  kept  so  long  out  of 
ground,  that  more  than  one  half  of  them  perish ;  and  the  few 
that  vegetate  stand  a  number  of  years,  frequently,  before  they 
get  strength  to  bloom. 

Lilium  Japonicum.  —  The  Japan  Lily.  —  This  magnificent 
species  of  Lily,  and  its  varieties,  have  been  introduced  but  a 
few  years,  and,  until  lately,  treated  as  green-house  plants. 
They  are  found  to  be  as  hardy  as  our  common  Lilies,  and  will, 
therefore,  prove  a  great  acquisition  to  the  garden.  The  variety 
specioszim  has  a  pink  and  white  frosted  ground,  finely  spotted 
with  deep  crimson ;  L.  laTicifolium  album  is  pure  white ; 
each  variety  with  reflexed  petals.  These  Lilies  emit  an  exquis- 
ite odor.  I  have  seen  plants  five  and  six  feet  high  ;  they  were, 
however,  grown  in  pots  in  the  green-house.  These  bulbs  have 
commanded  extravagant  prices  ;  consequently  are  found  in  but 
few  collections.  As  the  price  is  now  greatly  reduced,  we  hope 
soon  to  see  them  more  common.  The  following  account  is 
from  an  English  paper ;  and,  as  the  directions  for  their  culture 
will  be  applicable  to  us,  we  insert  it,  with  some  omissions :  — 

"  Few  plants  of  recent  introduction  are  more  handsome  or 


LILIUM.  65 

attractive  than  the  Japan  Lilies,  They  produce  a  gorgeous 
display,  either  in-doors  or  out;  and,  as  they  are  quite  hardy, 
they  may  be  liberally  planted  in  the  open  border,  and  thus  con- 
stitute one  of  our  best  autumnal  flower-garden  plants. 

"  Their  propagation  is  simple  and  certain.  The  bulbs  may 
be  separated,  and  each  scale  will  eventually  form  a  new  bulb. 
This  separation  should  be  effected  when  the  flower  stems  are 
withered.  The  scales  should  be  stuck  into  pans  of  silver  sand, 
and  placed  in  a  cold  frame  or  pit.  After  remaining  one  season 
in  this  position,  they  should  be  planted  in  a  prepared  bed  of 
peat  soil,  and  a  little  silver  sand  intermixed  with  it ;  thus 
treated,  the  bulbs  will  soon  grow  large  enough  to  flower. 

"  The  cultivation  of  them  in  pots  is  by  no  means  difficult. 
I  shall  detail  the  practice  I  have  pursued  with  success  for  some 
years.  Immediately  when  the  bulbs  go  to  rest,  in  the  autumn, 
is  the  proper  time  to  repot  them.  By  no  means  destroy  the 
old  roots,  but  carefully  place  them  amongst  the  fresh  soil.  If 
large  examples,  for  particular  display,  are  required,  large  pots 
may  be  employed,  and  half  a  dozen  flowering  bulbs  placed  in 
each  pot.  The  soil  I  use  is  rough  peat.  The  pots  should  be 
well  drained,  and  the  crown  of  the  bulb  just  covered  with  the 
soil ;  when  potted,  they  should  be  placed  in  a  cold  pit  or  frame, 
in  order  to  prevent  the  soil  from  freezing,  although  frost  will 
not  injure  the  bulb.  Where  room  under  glass  is  an  object  in 
winter,  they  may  be  plunged  in  the  open  air  in  coal  ashes,  in 
a  manner  similar  to  potted  Hyacinths.  I  have  at  this  time  a 
large  number  coming  into  flower,  which  have  never  been  under 
glass  until  within  these  few  days ;  they  have  sustained  no 
injury  from  exposure,  and  they  present  every  appearance  of 
making  a  grand  display.  There  is  scarcely  any  plant  which  is 
so  much  benefited  by  liquid  manure  as  the  Lily ;  more  espec- 
ially before  expanding  its  flowers.  If  used  in  a  clear  state, 
and  considerably  diluted,  this  water  alone  may  be  applied  for 
at  least  a  month  before  it  comes  into  flower. 

"  If  the  object  should  be  out-door  cultivation  entirely,  I 
should  recommend  them  to  be  planted  in  beds  ;  their  effect  is 


$&  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

exceedingly  grand.  Excavate  the  soil  eighteen  inches  deep, 
and  fill  in  the  bottom,  a  foot  deep,  with  very  coarse  peat,  inter- 
mixed with  one  fifth  of  decayed  manure  or  leaf  mould.  The 
remaining  six  inches  may  be  entirely  peat.  If  the  bulbs  are 
large  enough  to  bloom,  plant  them  twelve  inches  apart  every 
way ;  and  if  beds  of  each  kind  are  brought  into  contact  with 
one  another,  the  effect  will  be  magnificent. 

"  The  following  are  the  kinds  I  cultivate  :  Lilimn  lancifolium 
album,  L.  punctatiim,  and  L.  speciosum.  The  old  Japonicum  is 
also  well  worth  growing." 

All  our  native  Lilies  are  beautiful,  and  very  much  improved 
by  cultivation.  While  we  are  bringing  together,  from  the  ends 
of  the  earth,  the  treasures  of  Flora,  let  not  our  own  be  neg- 
lected. These  may  be  taken  from  our  fields  and  meadows, 
when  in  bloom,  by  carefully  taking  them  up  with  a  ball  of 
earth,  and  in  a  few  years  will  richly  repay  the  trouble. 

Lilium  superhiim.  —  Superb  Lily.  —  One  of  the  most  mag- 
nificent of  our  native  plants ;  not  common  in  the  vicinity  of 
Boston,  but  in  many  parts  of  the  state  and  in  New  York  in 
abundance.  Stem  erect,  straight,  from  three  to  six  feet  high, 
oearing  a  large  pyramid  of  orange-colored  flowers,  not  unfre- 
quently  numbering,  when  cultivated,  thirty  or  forty.  The 
flowers  are  much  reflexed.  They  are  found  in  many  varieties, 
with  flowers  from  a  yellow  to  an  orange  scarlet;  in  bloom  in 
July. 

Lilium  Canadense.  —  Nodding  Meadow  Lily.  —  This  fine 
Lily  may  be  found  embellishing  our  meadows  in  June,  when 
it  rarely  produces  more  than  from  one  to  five  modest,  nodding, 
but  showy,  flowers,  on  stems  one  to  three  feet  high.  It  is  very 
much  improved  by  cultivation,  and,  when  planted  in  rich  ground, 
has  been  known  to  grow  five  feet  high,  with  a  pyramid  of  at 
least  twenty  of  its  pendulous  flowers ;  color  from  yellow  to 
deep  orange  scarlet.  The  flowers  are  profusely  spotted  with 
brown,  on  the  inside,  and  are  but  little  reflexed. 

Lilium  Philadelphicum.  —  The  Common  Red  Lily  of  our 
pastures  and  dry  fields;    equal,  if  not  superior,  in  beauty,  to 


NARCISSUS.  67 

the  Canadense,  but  of  a  different  habit.  Its  height  rarely  ex- 
ceeds two  feet,  with  one  to  three  flowers,  supported  on  a  long 
claw ;  upright,  of  a  dark  vermilion  color,  richly  spotted  with 
black.     The  flowers  are  bell-shaped ;  in  bloom  in  July. 

The  character  of  this  species  will  no  doubt  be  as  much  im- 
proved by  cultivation  as  Canadense.  It  will  then  form  one  of 
the  most  showy  ornaments  of  the  garden,  as  the  color  of  the 
flower  is  rich  and  brilliant.  If  ten  or  fifteen  flowers  can  be  pro- 
duced on  one  stem,  the  effect  of  a  group  of  plants  will  be 
surpassingly  rich. 


NARCISSUS. 

Common  Daffodil  ;  some  species,  Jonquilles. 

"  No  gradual  bloom  is  wanting  ;  from  the  bud, 
First  born  of  the  spring,  to  summer's  murky  tribes : 
Nor  Hyacinths  of  purest  virgin  white, 
Low  bent,  and  blushing  inward  ;  nor  Jonquilles, 
Of  potent  fragrance  ;  nor  Narcissus  fair. 
As  o'er  the  fabled  fountain  hanging  stiU." 

Named  from  the  youth  Narcissus,  who,  as  the  poets  tell  us, 
was  changed  into  this  flower. 

This  family  are  mostly  hardy,  bulbous-rooted  plants,  many 
of  them  too  well  known  for  description ;  all  suitable  to  orna- 
ment the  garden.  They  may  be  planted  in  October  or  Novem- 
ber, in  any  good  garden  soil,  about  three  inches  deep,  and  need 
not  be  taken  up  oftener  than  is  necessary  to  separate  the  roots 
when  they  become  matted  together,  as  they  will  in  three  or 
four  years. 

The  Two-flowered  Narcissus,  Pale  Daffodil,  or  Primrose- 
peerless,  is  of  a  pale-cream  color,  with  a  yellow  cup  in  the 
centre  ;  a  very  pretty  species.  Of  the  Common  Daffodil,  there 
are  many  varieties,  with  a  white  flower  and  yellow  cup  ;  a  yel- 
low flower  and  deep  golden  cup ;  a  double  flower,  with  several 
ups  one  within  another ;  the  Great  Yellow  Incomparable, 
double  and  single.     The  double  variety  is  called  Butter  and 


68  beeck's  book  of  flowers. 

Eggs  Narcissus,  by  the  English,  aijd  by  the  Dutch,  Orange 
Phoenix,  and  is  considered  the  handsomest  of  all  the  species. 
It  has  large  and  small  petals  ;  the  large,  lemon  color,  filled  ia 
with  small  orange-colored  ones.  All  these  species  flower  the 
last  of  April. 

The  Great  Jonquille  is  yellow  ;  the  scent  of  it  so  powerful  as 
to  be  hardly  endured.  This,  with  the  Common  Jonquille,  are 
altogether  yellow ;  but  the  last-named  has  a  cup  deeper  col- 
ored than  the  petals.  There  is  variety  with  double  flowers. 
There  is  a  species  called  the  Hoop-petticoat  Narcissus,  called 
in  France  Medusa's  Trumpet,  of  which  the  cup  is  two  inches 
long,  very  broad  at  the  brim.  Of  this,  there  are  a  number  of 
varieties ;  one,  pale  citron  color ;  another,  darker  and  larger ; 
both  curious  and  pretty ;  in  flower  first  of  May. 

The  White,  or  Poet's,  Narcissus,  has  a  snow-white  flower, 
with  a  pale-yellow  cup  in  the  centre,  fringed  on  the  border 
with  a  circle  of  reddish  purple.  It  is  sweet-scented  ;  in  flower 
last  of  May.  There  is  a  variety  with  double  flowers  ;  these 
are  the  most  desirable  of  the  tribe. 

The  Polyanthus  Narcissus  is  the  most  desirable  of  all ;  but, 
alas  !  it  is  not  so  hardy.  It  requires  to  be  planted  five  inches 
deep,  and  well  protected,  to  do  well.  The  bulbs  are  quite 
large.  The  flowers  are  produced  the  last  of  May,  in  trusses 
of  from  six  to  twenty  flowers.  There  are  many  varieties  of 
this  flower.  Some  have  entirely  white  flowers  ;  others,  white, 
with  yellow,  citron,  or  orange  cups  ;  yellow  with  yellow ;  and 
entirely  yellow  or  orange-colored  flowers.  There  is  a  variety 
with  double  flowers.  This  species  of  Narcissus  succeeds  well 
when  grown  in  pots  ;  or  it  is  fine  for  flowering  in  glasses. 


P^ONIA. 

Peony. 

This  interesting  genus  contains  many  magnificent  flowermg 
plants,  embracing  at  least  one  hundred  varieties  and  species, 


PJEONU,  69 

all  of  which  are  desirable  for  the  border,  and  perfectly  hardy, 
standing  one  winter  without  protection.  Most  of  the  genus  is 
herbaceous.  P.  Mmitan,  and  its  varieties,  are  shrubby ;  their 
roots  are  fleshy,  but  not  so  distinctly  tuberous  as  most  of  the 
herbaceous  species.  All  require  nearly  the  same  treatment. 
The  time  for  dividing  the  herbaceous  sorts  is  in  September  or 
October ;  the  whole  stool  should  be  taken  up.  With  a  sharp 
knife  it  may  be  divided  into  as  many  pieces  as  there  are  tubers 
with  buds ;  it  is  necessary  that  a  bud  be  preserved  on  each 
tuber.  At  this  season  of  the  year  the  Peony  is  in  a  dormant 
state  ;  the  buds  are  just  beginning  to  show  themselves,  and,  if 
delayed  long  after  the  first  of  October,  the  new  fibres  begin  to 
push,  and  the  plant  will  be  less  likely  to  flower  the  coming 
spring.  The  Peony  roots  should  not  be  disturbed  in  the 
spring,  unless  it  be  very  early,  as  it  does  not  succeed  well 
when  transplanted  at  that  season,  without  a  ball  of  earth 
adhering  to  the  roots.  The  tubers  should  be  planted  in  a 
deep,  rich,  light,  garden  soil ;  the  crown,  or  bud,  should  be 
placed  three  inches  below  the  surface.  The  species  of  the 
Peony  have  been  so  much  changed  by  the  florist,  that  it  is  dif- 
ficult to  draw  the  line  of  botanical  distinction  with  any  degree 
of  accuracy ;  and,  for  floral  purposes,  it  is  not  necessary. 

Pceony  officinallis.  —  This  is  the  old  Double  Crimson  Peony, 
familiar  with  every  one  as  a  household  friend.  When  first 
introduced  into  Antwerp,  two  hundred  and  fifty  years  ago,  the 
plant  sold  for  twelve  crowns,  —  a  large  sum  for  those  days. 

The  varieties  of  this  species  are  P.  rosea  with  rose,  P. 
hlanda  with  blush,  P.  rubra  with  red,  P.  carnesens  Avith 
flesh-colored,  P.  albicans  with  white,  flowers.  This  class  of 
Peonies  flower  the  last  of  May  and  the  first  of  June. 

P.  tenufolia,  or  fennel-leaved,  with  fine  leaves  like  fennel ; 
in  flower  the  first  of  May ;  it  is  of  a  deep  crimson  color,  and, 
when  in  bud,  very  beautiful.  There  is  a  double  variety  of  this 
sort. 

P.  hybrida  is  a  hybrid  between  the  last  and  P.  decora,  and 
very  pretty ;  flower  deep  red. 


'10  breck's  book  of  flowers, 

p.  paradoxa  is  a  double  variety,  or  species  with  purplish  red 
flowers ;  blooms  last  of  May. 

P.  decora,  gj'evilli,  and  corallina,  have  large,  single  flowers, 
purplish  red  and  red  ;  in  bloom  the  middle  of  May. 

P.  Siberica  is  one  of  the  finest  species;  the  flowers  are  sin- 
gle, but  in  clusters,  and  very  showy ;  white,  shaded  with  pink; 
blooms  1st  of  June. 

P.  alba  flora,  P.  Tartarica,  and  other  Chinese  and  Tartarian 
sorts,  are  the  parents,  probably,  of  a  splendid  race  of  late  flow- 
ering Peonies,  denominated  the  Chinese.  They  are  in  bloom 
about  the  middle  of  June.  To  enumerate  and  describe  all 
would  occupy  too  much  space.  P.  Whitleji  has  large  double 
white  flowers.  P.  Humeii,  double  lilac-red.  P.  rosea  has  large 
double  rose-colored ;  rather  later  than  the  two  last.  P.  Reeve- 
sii,  semi-double  purple.  P.  Pottsii,  semi-double  lilac-rose. 
These  are  some  of  the  more  common  sorts,  but  all  beautiful. 

Among  those  of  the  more  recently  introduced  sorts,  are  P. 
sulphurea,  with  pale  yellow  flowers.  P.  Duchess  de  Nemours, 
with  the  broad  exterior  petals  a  blush  white,  while  the  centre 
is  filled  up  with  numerous  fine  petals  of  a  sulphur  color ;  quite 
a  novelty.  P.  prolif era-tricolor.  P.  triuvrphans.  P.  grandi- 
flora  carnea.  P.  festiva.  P.  plenissama  variegata.  Many 
other  new  varieties  might  be  named,  all  desirable  for  the  bor- 
der, or  to  be  planted  out  in  a  quarter  by  themselves. 

PcBony  Moutan,  or  the  Tree  Peony,  and  its  varieties,  are 
magnificent  plants,  with  flowers  of  various  shades  of  red,  lilac, 
light  purple  and  white,  measuring  from  four  to  eight  inches  in 
diameter,  all  of  easy  culture ;  very  hardy,  requiring  but  little 
protection.  The  variety  Banksife  is  one  of  the  most  common 
kinds.  I  have  had  a  plant  of  this  with  from  seventy  to  eighty 
flowers  upon  it  at  one  time,  presenting  a  splendid  sight.  The 
flowers  vary  on  the  same  bush  :  some  of  them  are  very  double, 
of  a  light  pink  color,  fading,  as  they  open,  to  a  faint  blush,  or 
white  towards  the  edges,  and  at  the  base  deepening  to  a  pur- 
plish red ;  others  are  semi-double.  Some  flowers  will  be  of  a 
deeper  pink;   variations  take  place  also  in  the  size  of    the 


P^ONIA.  71 

flowers,  according  to  the  strength  of  the  plant.  The  shrub  is 
rarely  seen  more  than  four  feet  high,  but  it  becomes  very  large 
in  circumference,  bushing  out  from  year  to  year,  growing  into 
a  very  regular,  hemispherical  shape.  It  is  in  flower  the  last 
of  May,  with  all  the  other  varieties  or  species. 

P.  inoutan  papaveracea,  or  Poppy-flowered  Tree  Peony,  is 
also  a  splendid  plant,  having  large,  single,  white  flowers,  some- 
times ten  inches  in  diameter.  The  petals  are  flat,  with  a  deep 
purple  spot  at  the  base  of  each.  These  spots  are  rayed  about 
an  inch  and  a  half  long,  from  the  centre,  forming  a  rich,  bril- 
liant star  in  the  middle  of  the  flower ;  the  bright  yellow  sta- 
mens add  to  the  beauty  of  the  flower,  forming  a  fine  contrast 
with  the  purple  and  pure  white.  It  is  a  very  desirable  plant. 
There  is  a  variety  of  this,  with  semi-double  or  double  flowers. 

P.  moutan  papaveracea  rosea  is  a  variety  with  fine  rose- 
colored  flowers,  and  one  of  the  same  color  with  double  flowers ; 
not  very  common. 

A  great  number  of  new  and  expensive  varieties  of  the 
Tree  Peony  have  been  exhibited,  within  the  last  two  years,  at 
the  Horticultural  Rooms.  Some  of  these  varieties  do  not 
exceed  in  beauty  those  I  have  described,  while  others  are 
much  superior.  I  will  refer  my  readers  to  the  reports  of 
the  Massachusetts  Horticultural  Society,  for  descriptions  of 
their  new  sorts.  For  one  or  more  of  them,  two  hundred  francs 
were  paid ;  more,  I  dare  say,  than  any  one  else  would  be  wil- 
ling to  expend  for  one  small  plant. 

The  woody  Peonies  may  be  propagated  by  seeds,  suckers, 
layers,  and  by  grafting.  The  common  and  most  simple  way  is 
by  suckers.  These  may  be  often  found  growing  from  old  wood, 
when  standing  in  the  open  border.  The  wood  is  very  hard, 
and  will  require  a  sharp,  strong  knife ;  a  fine  saw  is  often  useful 
in  the  operation.  October  is  the  best  time  to  divide  the  plants. 
In  the  first  place,  take  away  the  soil  carefully  from  the  roots 
so  as  to  see  how  the  sucker  can  be  taken  off  to  the  best  advan- 
tage, and  not  injure  the  old  plant,  and  to  give  a  portion  of  the 
root  to  the  young  plant.     When  detached,  the  sucker  may  be 


"12  beeck's  book  of  flowers. 

planted  where  it  is  destined  to  stand,  in  a  rich,  mellow  loam. 
When  propagated  by  layers,  the  outer  shoots  are  bent  down 
into  the  soil  in  the  spring ;  but  before  they  are  fastened  down 
with  a  hook  or  pegs,  a  longitudinal  split  should  be  made  in  the 
inner  side  of  the  bend ;  this  should  be  done  with  great  care,  as 
the  shoots  are  extremely  liable  to  be  broken  off  where  they 
bend.  It  takes  two  years  for  a  layer  of  the  Peony  to  be  suffi- 
ciently rooted  to  be  detached.  If  seed  is  saved,  it  should  be 
planted  as  soon  as  ripe  in  autumn.  I  have  not  raised  the 
Peony  from  seed,  but  probably  it  would  appear  above  ground 
the  next  spring,  and  in  the  course  of  a  few  years  produce 
flowers,  and  perhaps  a  new  variety.  It  is  best  to  cover  the 
crowns  of  all  varieties  and  species,  in  autimin,  with  coarse 
stable  manure ;  the  plants  flower  stronger  for  it. 

With  a  collection  of  Peonies  of  the  different  sorts,  the  garden 
will  not  be  without  some  of  the  kinds  being  in  bloom  from  the 
first  of  May  to  the  first  of  July. 


RANUNCULUS. 

Ranunculus  Asiaticus. 

The  Asiatic  Ranunculus  is  one  of  the  most  splendid  class 
of  florist's  flowers  in  cultivation ;  but,  unfortunately,  our  climate 
is  so  uncongenial  for  its  perfection,  and  requires  so  much  skill 
and  care,  that  it  has  received  but  little  attention  in  the  vicinity 
of  Boston,  except  by  a  few  individuals.  To  have  this  splendid 
flower  in  all  its  beauty  and  strength,  it  should  be  kept  growing 
very  moderately  all  winter;  but  our  climate  is  so  severe  that 
this  is  impossible,  in  the  open  air,  without  too  much  covering, 
which  would  cause  the  plants  to  become  drawn  and  weakened 
in  such  a  manner  as  to  be  ruined.  In  a  green-house,  this  may 
be  done ;  but  how  shall  they  be  managed  in  the  open  air  ? 
Samuel  Walker,  Esq.,  President  of  the  Massachusetts  Horti- 
cultural Society,  has  been  the  most  successful  of  any  other 


RANUNCULUS.  73 

person  in  this  neighborhood,  in  blooming  the  Ranunculus  in  the 
open  air.  I  shall  therefore  give  his  directions,  as  published  in 
Hovey's  Magazine,  August  3,  1844. 

"  DIRECTIONS     FOR     THE      CULTIVATION     AND     PLANTING     OF     THE 
RANUNCULUS. 

"  The  soil  should  be  trenched  eighteen  or  twenty  inches, 
and  composed  of  good  rich  loam,  to  which  add  one  sixth  part 
of  very  old,  well  rotted  cow-manure,  and  the  same  quantity  of 
clay,  broken  into  small  pieces ;  add  to  this  a  little  sand,  and 
thoroughly  mix  the  whole ;  if  the  soil  binds,  add  some  sandy 
peat ;  make  the  bed  on  a  level  with  the  path  or  walks ;  the 
plants  would  do  better  if  the  bed  was  below,  rather  than  above, 
the  level. 

"  Having  prepared  the  soil,  as  above,  some  time  during  the 
summer  or  autumn,  take  the  earliest  opportunity,  in  the  spring 
succeeding,  to  stir  up  the  bed  one  spit,  and  take  off  one  and  a 
half  inch  of  the  soil ;  then  place  the  plants  in  an  upright  posi- 
tion on  the  surface,  six  inches  apart  each  way,  and  replace  the 
soil  carefully,  which  will  cover  the  crown  of  the  Ranunculus 
about  one  and  a  half  inch  ;  deeper  planting  would  be  inju- 
rious. After  the  plants  appear,  keep  them  free  from  weeds, 
and  press  the  soil  firmly  around  them  after  they  get  two 
inches  high.  If  the  weather  prove  dry,  water  them  freely 
early  in  the  morning,  and  shade  them  from  the  sun  from  nine 
A.  M.  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M.  As  soon  as  the  foliage  becomes 
yellow,  take  the  roots  up,  and  dry  them  thoroughly  in  the 
shade,  and  keep  them  in  a  dry  place. 

"  The  Ranunculus  loves  a  cool  and  moist  location,  but  no 
stagnant  water  should  be  permitted,  nor  should  they  be  placed 
under  the  shade  or  drippings  of  trees.  The  morning  sun,  free 
circulation  of  air,  and  shade,  as  directed,  will  ensure  success."' 

The  root  of  the  Ranunculus  is  a  cluster  of  small  tubers,  like 
claws,  united  in  the  crown,  which  send  up  several  bipartate 
leaves,  and  an  erect,  branched  stem,  eight  or  twelve  inches 


74  breck's  book  of  i'lowers. 

high,  with  a  terminating  flower  variously  flowered.  Unless 
good  varieties  are  obtained,  and  the  roots  sound  and  plump,  it 
is  best  not  to  attempt  their  cultivation.  The  varieties  are 
endless,  —  of  every  color  and  combination  of  color  that  Flora 
paints  with. 

A  fine  double  Ranunculus  should  have  a  well-formed  blossom, 
at  least  two  inches  in  diameter,  hemispherical  in  shape,  the 
petals  imbricated  in  regular  shape,  —  the  largest  outside,  and 
gradually  diminishing  in  size  as  they  approach  the  centre  of 
the  flower,  which  should  be  well  filled  with  them.  The  petals 
should  be  broad,  with  entire,  well-rounded  edges  ;  their  color 
should  be  dark,  clear,  rich  or  brilliant,  either  consisting  of  one 
color  throughout,  or  be  otherwise  variously  diversified,  on  an 
ash,  w^hite,  sulphur,  or  fire-colored  ground,  or  regularly  striped, 
spotted,  or  mottled  in  an  elegant  manner. 

There  is  another  species  of  Ranunculus,  called  Great  Tur- 
ban, or  Great  Turkey  Ranunculus,  producing  large,  double, 
and  very  brilliant  flowers.  The  roots  are  similar  to  the  other 
species,  and  the  mode  of  cultivation  the  same.  The  varieties 
are  not  so  numerous ;  the  colors  are  crimson,  yellow  and 
brown,  yellow,  white  speckled,  dark  brown,  &:c. 


TUBEROSA. 
Polianthes  Tuberosa. 

"  The  Tuberose,  with  her  silver  light, 

That  in  the  gardens  of  Malay 
Is  called  the  mistress  of  the  night ; 
So  like  a  bride,  scented  and  bright, 

She  comes  out  when  the  sun 's  away.'' 

The  Tuberose  is  a  tender  tuberous-rooted  plant,  with  linear 
leaves  of  whitish  green,  and  stems  four  or  five  feet  high,  ter- 
minating in  a  sparse  spike  of  white  flowers,  of  very  powerful 
fragrance,  which  display  themselves  in  August.  It  is  properly 
a  green-house  plant,  but  will  grow  and  flower  in  warm  situa- 


tions  in  the  open  air,  when  planted  about  the  middle  of  May, 
but  succeeds  better  when  planted  in  pots,  in  March  or  April, 
and  brought  forward  in  a  hot-bed  or  green-house,  and  planted 
in  border  the  naiddle  of  June.  It  delights  in  a  rich,  sandy 
loam.  The  top  of  the  tuber  should  be  near  the  surface  of  the 
soil.  The  tubers  are  generally  surrounded  with  numerous 
offsets.  It  is  recommended  by  some  gardeners  to  break  them 
off;  but  I  am  inclined  to  believe  that  it  is  rather  prejudicial  to 
the  bloom  than  otherwise,  and  my  practice  is  to  let  them 
remain.  Strong-grown  roots  only  will  bloom.  The  double 
variety  is  the  most  desirable,  though  both  are  equally  fragrant. 
The  Tuberose  is  propagated  from  the  offsets  taken  off  from 
the  parent  tuber,  and  planted  in  a  light,  rich  soil.  As  soon  as 
the  foliage  is  killed  by  the  frost  in  autumn,  the  roots  should 
be  taken  up,  dried,  and  packed  away  in  dry  sand  or  moss,  till 
wanted  in  the  spring,  but  they  must  be  kept  secure  from  frost. 


TULIP  I  A. 

Garden  Tulip. 

"Then  comes  the  Tulip  race,  where  beauty  plays 
Her  idle  freaks  ;  froni  family  diffused 
To  family,  as  flies  the  father  dust, 
The  varied  colors  run  ;  and  while  they  break 
On  the  charmed  eye,  th'  exulting  florist  marks 
With  secret  pride  the  wonders  of  his  hand." 

The  Tulip  is  a  flower  of  easy  cultivation.  The  varieties 
are  endless.  With  the  early  and  late  varieties  the  garden  can 
be  made  very  gay  all  the  month  of  May. 

These  flowers  became,  in  the  middle  of  the  seventeenth 
century,  the  object  of  a  trade  for  which  there  is  no  parallel, 
and  their  price  rose  beyond  the  precious  metals.  Many 
authors  have  given  an  account  of  this  trade,  some  of  whom 
have  misrepresented  it.  One  author  called  it  the  Tulipomania ; 
at  which  people  laugh,  because  they  believe  that  the  beauty 


76  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

and  rarity  of  the  flowers  induced  florists  to  give  such  extrava- 
gant prices.  But  this  Tulip  trade  was  a  mere  gambling  com- 
merce, and  the  Tulips  themselves  were  only  nominally  its 
objects,  many  bargains  being  daily  made,  and  the  roots  neither 
given  nor  received.  In  Holland  and  Belgium  the  passion  for 
Tulips  among  the  florists  became  an  absolute  madness.  Many 
thousand  francs  have  often  been  given  for  a  single  root,  and 
the  amount  of  this  article  of  commerce,  in  1637,  rose  to  some 
millions  of  francs.  At  the  period  of  this  effervescence,  proper- 
ties of  considerable  value  were  given  for  a  single  flower,  and  a 
memorable  monument  of  this  outrageous  folly  is  still  exhibited 
at  Lille,  in  the  Tulip  Brewery,  which,  it  is  said,  though  valued 
at  30,000  francs,  (S6000,)  was  given  by  its  proprietor  for  a 
single  root.  At  last  the  Tulip  mania  became  so  overpower- 
ing that  the  government  of  Holland,  convinced  of  the  evil 
effects  which  might  result  from  it,  were  obliged  to  interfere, 
and  to  pass  laws  of  great  severity  against  such  transactions, 
limiting  the  extent  of  the  amount  for  any  one  bulb  to  200 
francs.  To  this  day,  a  few  of  the  choice  and  rare  varieties 
are  priced  at  that  sum  in  the  Dutch  catalogues.  During  this 
Tulip  fever,  a  merchant  in  Holland  gave  a  herring  to  a  sailor 
who  had  brought  him  some  goods.  The  sailor,  seeing  some 
valuable  Tulip  roots  laying  about,  which  he  considered  of  little 
consequence,  thinking  them  to  be  onions,  took  some  of  them 
unperceived,  and  ate  them  with  his  herring.  Through  this 
mistake,  the  sailor's  breakfast  cost  the  merchant  a  greater  sum 
than  if  he  had  treated  the  Prince  of  Orange. 

Another  laughable  anecdote  is  told  of  an  Englishman,  who, 
being  in  a  Dutchman's  garden,  pulled  a  couple  of  Tulips,  on 
which  he  wished  to  make  some  botanical  observations,  and  put 
them  in  his  pocket ;  but  he  was  apprehended  as  a  thief,  and 
obliged  to  pay  a  considerable  sum  before  he  could  obtain  his 
liberty.  A  bed  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  Tulips,  of  the  finest 
varieties,  at  the  present  time,  cannot  be  obtained  without  a  con- 
siderable outlay ;  and  there  are  few,  who  have  the  means  or 
the  fancy,  who  are  willing  to  be  at  the  expense. 


TUUPTA.  7*? 

Tulips  are  divided  into  two  classes,  early  and  late  blowers ; 
and  these  are,  again,  subdivided  into  other  classes. 

Early  Tulips  commence  their  blooming  about  the  first  of 
May,  in  companj^  with  the  Hyacinth,  and  some  of  the  varieties 
are  very  desirable.  They  are  dwarf  in  their  habits.  The 
many  distinguished  varieties  of  earl}"-  Tulip  are  all  produced 
from  the  late  blowers,  which,  having  tall  stems,  and  much  finer 
colors,  engross  nearly  the  whole  attention  of  the  cultivators  of 
Tulips.  The  modern  mode  of  classing  the  late  blowers,  by  the 
Dutch  florists,  is  as  follows : 

"  Prime  Bagiiets,  from  the  French  word  baguette,  a  rod,  or 
wand.  They  are  very  tall,  with  handsome  cups  and  white 
bottoms,  well  broken  with  fine  brow^l,  and  all  from  the  same 
breeder. 

Rigaufs  Baguets.  —  This  variety  is  supposed  to  have 
received  their  distinctive  appellation  from  some  individual  by 
the  name  of  Rigaut,  who  was  eminent  in  this  branch  of  flori- 
culture. They  are  not  quite  so  tall  as  the  former,  but  have 
strong  stems,  and  very  large,  well  formed  cups,  with  white 
bottoms,  handsomely  broken  with  rich  brown  color,  and  all 
from  the  same  breeder. 

Incomparable  Verports.  —  A  particular  kind  of  Bybloemens. 
Cups  very  perfect,  cherry-red  and  rose  color  and  white  bottoms, 
well  broken  with  shining  broAvn.  Some  of  these  are  from  SIO 
to  S25  a  root. 

Bybloemens,  or  nest  flowers,  called  by  the  French  Flamands. 
They  haA'e  white  ground,  or  nearly  so,  and  are  beautifully 
broken  with  shades  of  purple  and  a  variety  of  colors.  They 
are  from  different  breeders. 

Bizarres,  from  the  French,  odd,  or  irregular.  Ground  yel- 
low ;  from  ditlerent  breeders,  and  broken  with  a  variety  of 
colors. 

Paroquets,  or  Parrot  Tulips.  —  The  edges  of  the  petals  are 
fringed,  colors  brilliant  crimson  and  yellow,  with  shades  of 
bright  green  ;  but  still  they  are  held  in  no  sort  of  esteem  among 
florists." 

7* 


78  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

Double.  —  These  are  of  various  brilliant  red,  yellow,  and 
mixed  colors,  but,  like  many  other  double  flowers,  are  deemed 
monsters,  and  not  appreciated  by  flower  fanciers,  although  they 
have  an  elegant  appearance,  from  their  upright,  tall,  and  firm 
stems,  and  crowns  of  large,  peony-shaped  flowers  ;  and,  when 
scattered  with  the  Parrot  among  the  small  shrubs  and  other 
plants,  in  the  borders  of  avenues  and  walks,  or  planted  out  in 
separate  beds,  they  have  a  pleasing  effect. 

Breeders  are  such  as  have  been  procured  from  the  seed,  and 
consist  of  one  color,  which  is  red,  purple,  violet,  gray,  brown, 
black,  yellow,  or  some  other  individual  color,  without  any  sort 
of  variation.  These  are  cultivated  in  a  rather  poor  and  dry 
soil,  and  become  broken  or  variegated,  in  from  one  to  twenty 
years,  and  produce  new  varieties  ;  but  so  uncertain  is  the  pros- 
pect of  a  favorable  result,  that  but  few  persons  are  willing  to 
make  the  experiment,  by  raising  Tulips  from  seed,  as  probably 
not  one  in  a  thousand,  after  so  many  years  of  patient  cultiva- 
tion, would  exhibit  anything  remarkable  or  new.  For  this 
reason,  a  new  and  superb  Tulip  commands  a  high  price  at  the 
present  time  in  Europe. 

"When  a  Tulip  has  broken,  the  colors  are  unchangeable,  when 
properly  managed,  and  are  perpetuated  from  offsets  from  the 
parent  bulb.  Tulips  become  deteriorated  by  improper  culture, 
by  feeding  them  too  highly  with  stimulating  manures.  This 
causes  the  colors  to  run  together,  and  the  flower  becomes  what 
the  florist  denominates  "  foul,"  and  they  can  only  be  restored 
to  their  former  beauty  by  planting  in  a  pure,  loamy  soil  for  a 
few  years. 

A  DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  PROPERTIES  OF  A  FINE  LATE  TtTLIP. 

The  stem  should  be  strong,  elastic,  and  erect,  and  about 
thirty  inches  above  the  surface  of  the  bed. 

The  flower  should  be  large,  and  composed  of  six  petals. 
These  should  form  almost  a  perfect  cup,  with  a  round  bottom, 
rather  wider  at  the  top. 

The  three  exterior  petals  should  be  somewhat  larg^er  than 


TULIPIA.  79 

the  three  interior  ones,  and  broader  at  their  base.  All  the 
petals  should  have  perfectly  entire  edges,  free  from  notch  or 
serrature.  The  top  of  each  should  be  broad  and  well  rounded. 
The  ground  color  of  the  flower,  at  the  bottom  of  the  cup, 
should  be  a  clear  white  or  yellow ;  and  the  various  rich  colored 
stripes,  which  are  the  principal  ornament  of  a  fine  Tulip,  should 
be  regular,  bold,  and  distinct  on  the  margin,  and  terminate  in 
fine  broken  points,  elegantly  feathered  or  penciled.  These  are 
the  principal  points  of  excellence,  in  the  eyes  of  a  florist ;  yet 
with  amateurs  there  is  some  difference  of  opinion. 

The  colors  which  are  generally  held  in  greatest  estimation, 
in  variegated  striped  sorts,  are  black,  golden-yellow,  purple, 
violet,  rose,  and  vermilion,  each  of  which  being  varied  in  dif- 
ferent ways  ;  but  such  as  are  striped  with  three  different  colors, 
in  a  distinct  and  unmixed  manner,  with  strong  regular  streaks, 
and  but  little  or  no  tinge  of  the  breeder,  are  considered  the 
most  perfect. 

The  cultivation  of  the  Tulip  is  mystified  by  the  elaborate 
directions  generally  given  for  its  cultivation.  I  have  succeeded, 
for  many  years,  in  producing  very  fine  flowers  by  a  simple 
course  of  cultivation ;  the  varieties  in  my  possession  being 
probably  as  fine  as  can  be  obtained  from  any  collection  in 
Europe,  having  been  imported,  a  few  years  since,  at  great 
expense. 

The  finer  sorts  of  Tulips  should  always  be  planted  in  beds, 
where  there  is  a  considerable  quantity  of  bulbs ;  but  they  look 
very  well  when  disposed  in  small  groups,  in  the  borders,  par- 
ticularly the  more  common  sorts. 

The  proper  season  for  planting  is  in  October.  If  kept  out 
longer,  they  are  somewhat  weakened,  and  will  not  flower  so 
finely. 

A  bed  for  two  hundred  and  fifty  Tulips,  should  be  thirty-six 
feet  long  by  four  wide.  The  bulbs  to  be  planted  in  rows,  seven 
inches  apart,  and  seven  inches  distant  from  each  other.  The 
ground  being  marked  out,  the  soil  should  be  taken  out  to  the 
depth  of  twenty  inches.     The  rich  surface  mould  should  be  first 


80  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

taken  off  and  placed  by  itself,  while  the  subsoil  must  be  tak^en 
off  out  of  the  way.  I  have  found  the  best  soil  for  Tulips  to  be 
that  made  of  decayed  turfs,  from  an  old  pasture,  well  incorpo- 
rated with  old,  thoroughly-decomposed  cow-manure,  with  a  little 
sand,  if  the  soil  be  adhesive ;  for  the  Tulip  and  most  bulbs  delight 
in  a  loose  soil.  The  exact  quantity  of  these  three  materials  is 
laid  down  by  some  florist  as  one  third  of  each,  but  I  have  not 
been  so  nice.  My  mould  is  light  enough  without  much  sand, 
and  the  quantity  of  manure  is  very  small,  not  more  than  one 
eighth.  When  highly  manured,  the  flowers  will  make  a  ranker 
growth,  but  it  is  injurious  to  the  flower.  The  mould  or  soil 
should  be  prepared  beforehand,  and  frequently  turned  to  receive 
the  influence  of  the  air  and  sun.  When  the  bed  has  been  dug 
out  as  directed,  the  cavity  is  to  be  filled  with  this  compost,  a 
week  or  ten  days  before  planting.  My  practice  is  to  fill  it 
even  with  the  surface  of  the  ground.  This,  when  settled, 
will  be  the  right  depth  to  plant  the  bulbs,  if  planted  on  the 
surface.  The  planting  should  be  done  in  a  pleasant  day.  It 
should  not  be  done  directly  after  a  heavy  rain,  for  then  the  soil 
will  be  heavy.  That  the  roots  may  be  planted  exact,  I  prepare 
a  board,  six  and  a  half  inches  wide,  the  length  the  width  of  the 
bed.  On  the  edges  of  the  board  I  mark  the  distances  the 
bulbs  are  to  be  planted  from  each  other,  by  sawing  in  a  notch ; 
thus,  three  inches  from  the  end,  for  the  first,  and  from  that 
seven  inches,  until  the  whole  number,  seven,  are  made,  which 
will  leave  three  inches  on  the  other  side.  Stretch  a  line  on 
one  side  of  the  bed,  and,  by  keeping  one  end  of  the  board  up  to 
it,  the  planting  may  be  made  without  any  trouble,  and  every 
root  in  its  right  place,  provided  the  board  is  placed  square 
across  the  bed  at  each  removal.  Having  placed  the  board,  let 
some  fine  sand  be  placed  where  the  bulbs  are  to  be  set.  The 
roots  should  then  be  gently  pressed  into  the  earth,  close  up  to  the 
notch,  but  not  so  deep  as  to  cover  them,  the  large  bulbs  a  little 
deeper  than  the  smaller  ones,  and  remove  the  board ;  then 
completely  envelop  each  root  with  a  little  cone  of  sand,  or  very 
sandy  earth,  and  so  proceed  until  all  the  bulbs  are  set.     Now, 


TULTPIA.  81 

with  a  spade,  gradually  cover  the  bulbs  with  the  surface  soil, 
until  the  bed  has  been  raised  four  inches  above  the  level  of  the 
walk.  This  will  cover  the  bulbs  about  three  and  a  half  inches, 
the  proper  depth.  Let  it  be  carefully  smoothed  off,  but  not 
with  any  instrument  that  will  interfere  or  put  out  of  place  any 
of  the  roots  which  have  been  set.  All  the  care  necessary,  after 
this,  is  to  throw  some  light  protection  over  the  beds  before 
winter  sets  in,  to  be  removed  by  the  first  of  April.  After- 
wards, keep  the  bed  free  from  weeds.  To  have  the  flowers  in 
the  greatest  protection,  screen  them  from  the  sun,  in  mid-day, 
by  an  awning.  A  powerful  sun  soon  destroys  the  beauty  of  a 
Tulip  bed,  by  causing  the  colors  to  run  together.  A  bed  of  late 
Tulips  is  generally  in  its  highest  perfection  about  the  20th  of 
May,  and  may  be  kept  in  fine  condition  a  fortnight  longer,  by 
taking  the  trouble  to  erect  an  awning  over  them.  I  take  up 
my  Tulips  about  the  20th  of  June,  and  dry  them  under  cover, 
in  an  air}^  place,  and,  when  dry,  take  off  the  offsets  and  plant 
them  out,  while  the  flowering  roots  are  each  wrapped  in  a 
piece  of  waste  paper,  and  put  away,  in  a  box  or  drawer,  in  a  dry 
place,  until  w^anted  to  plant.  One  hundred  different  varieties, 
with  their  names  and  colors,  reputed  to  be  the  very  best,  may 
be  obtained  from  Holland,  at  the  cost  of  about  S25;  but  I  have 
found,  by  experience,  that  some  of  the  rarer  and  most  expensive 
sorts  are  not  included.  Very  good  border  Tulips,  including  fine 
double  sorts,  early  and  late,  single,  parrots,  &c.,  may  be 
obtained  from  50  cents  to  SI  per  dozen,  and  some  of  the  com- 
mon sorts  at  much  less  price. 

Tulips  sometimes  succeed  very  well,  in  any  good  garden 
soil,  without  extra  preparation.  The  Due  Van  Tholl  Tulips, 
single  and  double,  are  some  of  the  most  esteemed  early  sorts, 
the  single  being  the  most  suitable,  and  about  the  only  one  that 
succeeds  well  in  pots  and  for  forcing. 

The  sorts  that  are  planted  in  the  borders  may  be  set  in 
groups  of  from  three  to  five  bulbs.  These  need  not  be  taken 
up  oftener  than  once  in  three  years.  Separate  the  offsets,  as 
they  become  so  crowded  that  they  will  not  flower  well,  and 


82  EKECk's    book    of    FLO"\^'T,RS. 

besides,  as  the  new  bulb  is  formed  every  year,  below  the  old 
one,  the  roots  will  penetrate  so  deep,  that,  if  permitted  to  remain 
many  years,  they  become  so  weakened  they  will  not  flower 
at  all. 

DIRECTIONS    FOR    THE     FLOWERING   OF    DUTCH    BULBS    IN    POTS   OR 
GLASSES. 

"Hyacinths  may  be  planted  in  pots  from  the  latter  end  of 
October  until  December.  The  soil  used  should  consist  of  about 
one  third  of  white  or  river  sand,  and  the  remaining  two  thirds 
equal  proportions  of  vegetable  mould  and  loam.  The  pots 
should  measure  about  six  inches  across  the  top.  When  the 
bulbs  are  planted,  the  pots  are  to  be  lightly  filled  with  earth  ; 
then  the  bulb  may  be  placed  in  the  centre,  and  pressed  into  the 
earth,  so  that  it  may  be  about  half  covered.  After  this,  the 
earth  should  be  made  solid  all  around  the  sides  of  the  pot,  to 
fasten  the  root.  When  the  bulbs  are  thus  potted,  they  should 
be  removed  into  a  cool  place,  in  order  that  they  may  become 
well  rooted  before  the  tops  shoot  up.  Much  light  is  not  neces- 
sary at  this  period ;  indeed,  this  deprivation  of  light  causes 
them  to  root  more  quickly  than  they  would  otherwise  do.  For 
the  first  fortnight  or  three  weeks  after  potting,  they  may  be 
placed  upon  a  shelf  in  a  shed  or  a  cellar,  or  in  any  other  con- 
venient place,  providing  it  be  cool.  Little  water  is  also  requi- 
site ;  once  watering,  immediately  after  the  roots  are  planted, 
being  sufiicient,  if  the  situation  is  tolerably  damp  where  the 
pots  are  placed. 

"  If  the  stock  of  bulbous  roots,  such  as  Hyacinths,  Narcissus', 
early  Tulips,  &c.,  be  large  enough  to  occupy  a  small  frame,  the 
pots  may  be  put  within  it  after  planting,  and  they  may  be  cov- 
ered a  few  inches  deep  with  rotten  tan,  or  any  other  light  mate- 
rial. The  pots  will  soon  become  well  filled  with  roots,  and  the 
shoots  produced  by  bulbs  previously  well  rooted  vvill  be  stronger, 
and  the  flowers  larger,  than  if  they  had  been  put  in  a  warm  and 
light  situation.  When  they  are  rooted,  a  few  may  be  intro- 
duced occasionally  into  the  room  window,  or  on  the  mantel- 


TULIPIA.  83 

piece,  if  there  be  sufficient  light.  Light  is  quite  essential  when 
the  tops  begin  to  grow.  By  this  means  a  succession  of  flowers 
may  be  had  during  the  greater  part  of  the  spring. 

"  If  it  is  wished  to  bloom  Hyacinths  in  water-glasses,  the 
glasses  should  be  filled  up  with  water,  but  not  so  high  as  to 
come  in  contact  with  the  bulb.  Too  much  moisture  before  the 
roots  protrude  might  cause  the  bulb  to  decay.  The  glasses 
may  be  put  in  a  light,  but  cool  situation,  until  the  roots  are 
grown  half  the  length  of  the  glass,  at  least.  The  longer  the 
roots  are  before  being  forced  into  flower,  the  finer  the  flowers 
will  be  ;  and  when  rooted  they  may  be  kept  warm  or  cool,  as 
flowers  are  required  in  succession.  The  flowers  will  not  put 
forth,  even  when  the  glasses  are  filled  with  roots,  if  they  are 
kept  in  a  cold  place.  The  water  should  be  changed  about  twice 
every  week,  and  rain  or  river  water  is  better  than  spring  water. 
Although  the  practice  of  growing  bulbous  roots  in  water  is  com- 
mon, it  is  by  no  means  preferable  to  growing  them  in  earth. 
There  are  many  failures  when  bulbs  are  grown  in  water, 
which  are  chiefly  caused  from  their  being  more  liable  to  rot 
before  they  begin  to  emit  roots,  than  when  grown  in  soil.  Keep- 
ing the  bulbs  quite  clear  of  the  water  is  a  partial,  but  only  a  par- 
tial, preventive.  Another  cause  is,  that  when  the  roots  have 
attained  some  length,  they  frequently  decay,  and  the  loss  of  the 
flowers  is  the  consequence.  Should  success  attend  the  grow- 
ing and  blooming  of  the  greater  part  of  those  placed  in  water- 
glasses,  the  bulbs  will  be  good  for  nothing  afterwards  ;  but  those 
grown  in  pots  might  be  planted  the  year  following  in  the  garden, 
and  they  would  make  pretty  border  flowers  for  several  years. 

"  Similar  treatment  to  that  now  described  is  required  for  the 
large-rooted  Narcissus,  whether  in  pots  or  glasses. 

"  To  force  early  Tulips  in  pots,  they  should  be  placed  about 
three  or  four  in  each  pot,  just  within  the  earth,  which  may  be 
of  the  same  sort,  and  the  management  the  same  as  recom- 
mended for  Hyacinths  and  Narcissuses. 

"  Crocuses  will  force  well.  They  should  be  planted  near 
together,  say  from  ten  to  twenty  in  a  pot,  according  to  its  size. 


84  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

Let  them  root  naturally  after  planting,  before  they  are  forced 
into  flower.  They  require  similar  treatment  to  the  preceding, 
"In  order  that  bulbous  roots,  which  have  been  forced,  shall  not 
be  quite  exhausted,  they  maybe  planted  in  the  garden,  with  the 
ball  of  earth  entire,  as  soon  as  the  flowering  is  over,  if  the 
weather  is  favorable.  They  will  thus  mature  their  roots  and 
leaves,  and  be  strengthened  sufficiently  to  bloom  again  the  fol- 
lowing season.  If  bulbs  are  neglected  when  their  flowering 
season  is  over,  they  will  not  recover  such  neglect  for  a  consid- 
erable time ;  but  if  carefully  placed  in  the  garden  till  their  leaves 
become  yellow,  when  the  root  will  be  matured,  they  may  then 
be  taken  up  and  kept  in  a  dry,  cool  place  until  they  are  wanted 
the  following  season  for  planting." 


DESCRIPTIVE  LIST  OF  PERENNIAL  AND   BIENNIAL,  HERBA- 
CEOUS, BORDER,  AND   OTHER  FLOWERS. 


'  Not  useless  are  flowers  ;  though  made  for  pleasure, 
Blooming  o'er  fields  and  wave  by  day  and  night ; 
From  every  source  your  sanction  bids  me  treasure 
Harmless  delight." 


ACHILLEA. 

Milfoil. 

A.  ptarmica.  —  Sneezewort.  —  This  is  a  desirable  border 
flower,  particularly  the  double  variety,  as  it  continues  in  bloom 
most  of  the  season,  throwing  up  a  succession  of  its  double  white 
flowers  in  corymbs,  on  stems  about  one  foot  high.  The  foliage 
is  dark  shining  green.  It  is  very  hardy,  and  easy  to  cultivate 
in  almost  any  common  soil. 

A.  aurea,  or  golden-flowered,  has  rich  yellow  flowers,  but 
not  so  hardy  as  the  last. 

We  have  a  native  species,  A.  millefolium,  known  by  the 

common  name  of  Yarrow  ;  of  this  I  found  a  variety  with  pink 

flowers,  which  is  now  in  my  possession,  and  is  desirable  in  a 

collection. 

— * — 

ACONITUM. 

Monkshood  —  Wolfsbane. 

The  common  Monkshood  is  a  well  known  inhabitant  of  the 
garden.  There  are  many  species,  all  handsome  perennial  bor- 
der flowers.  They  may  be  increased  by  parting  the  roots,  which 
are  of  a  tuberous  character,  every  piece  of  which  will  grow. 
This  should  be  done  soon  after  they  have  done  flowering;  and 
the  stalks  should  be  cut  down  at  the  same  time.  They  like 
shade  and  moisture.  Most  of  them  have  blue  flowers,  but 
8 


86  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

there  are  also  white  and  yellow.  The  flowers  grow  in  spikes, 
which,  in  some  species,  are  two  or  three  feet  long.  The  family 
of  Aconites  have  a  bad  reputation.  The  ancients,  who  were 
not  acquainted  with  mineral  poisons,  regarded  this  plant  as  the 
most  violent  of  all.  The  virulence  of  A.  napellus  (common 
Monkshood)  should  be  known  to  all.  The  root  is  the  most 
powerful  part  of  the  plant.  An  instance  is  on  record,  of  five 
persons,  at  Antwerp,  who  ate  of  the  root  by  mistake,  and  all 
died.  Instances  have  occurred,  of  death  by  eating  the  young 
shoots  in  a  salad  instead  of  celery.  This  plant,  when  used  with 
skill  and  caution,  is  in  some  cases  a  valuable  medicine.  This 
species  flowers  in  July  and  August. 

A.  variegatum  is  a  beautiful  variety,  throwing  up  branching 
spikes  of  flowers  in  July  and  August,  three  and  four  feet  high ; 
the  flowers  are  light  blue,  edged  with  white. 

A.  japoniciim  has  dark  blue  flowers,  on  spikes  four  and  five 
feet  high,  during  the  month  of  July  and  August. 

A.  rostratum  is  a  beautiful  species,  with  purple  flowers,  three 
or  four  feet  high  —  in  July  and  August. 


ACT^A. 

This  is  an  indigenous  perennial  plant,  suitable  for  the  shrub- 
bery, found  in  the  woods.  There  are  two  species  or  varieties : 
—  A.  rubra,  with  shining  red  berries,  and  A.  alba,  with  milk- 
white  berries,  tipped  with  red.  Both  kinds  have  white  flowers, 
in  spikes,  in  May.  The  berries,  as  well  as  the  flowers,  are 
ornamental.  They  require  a  peaty  soil,  and  flourish  best  in 
the  shade ;  about  two  or  three  feet  high. 


A  G  R  0  S  T  E  M  M  A . 

Rose  Campion  —  Mullen  Pink. 

A  common,  showy  border  flower  ;  not  a  perfect  perennial,  but 
easily  kept  by  dividing  the  roots.     It  is  also  propagated  from     ■ 


ADONIS ALYSSUM ALTHiEA.  87 

seeds,  which  flower  the  second  year.  The  common  variety  has 
deep  red  flowers,  and  another  variety  with  white,  or  white  with 
a  pink  centre.     It  flowers  in  June  and  July ;    about  one  and 

a  half  feet  high. 

— • — 

ADONIS. 

Adonis  vernaZis  is  a  handsome  perennial  border  plant,  one 
foot  high,  producing  yellow  flowers  in  May  or  June.  It  is  a 
native  of  the  South  of  Europe.  It  succeeds  in  any  common 
garden  soil,  if  not  too  heavy. 


ALYSSUM. 

Alyssum  saxatile, — Rock  or  Golden  Alyssum, — is  a  desirable 
vernal  flower,  of  dwarf  habit,  proper  for  rock-work,  or  to  be 
planted  in  masses  ;  the  flowers  are  of  a  brilliant  golden  yellow, 
completely  covering  the  plant,  which  is  not  more  than  eight 
or  ten  inches  high.  It  is  a  suitable  companion  for  the  Phlox 
stolonifera,  with  its  red  flowers,  P.  suhulata,  with  pink  or 
white  flowers ;  all  v/hich  appear  together  the  first  of  May. 
Raised  by  seeds  or  by  slipping  the  roots. 


ALTERA. 

"  And  from  the  nectaries  of  Hollyhocks, 
The  bumblebee,  e'en  till  he  faints,  will  sip." 

AlthcBU  rosea.  —  Chinese  Hollyhock.  —  A  great  improvement 
has  been  made  in  this  old-fashioned,  ordinary  flower,  within  a 
few  years,  that  has  brought  it  before  the  public  under  a  new 
phase ;  and  it  now  bids  fair  to  become  as  popular  as  many 
other  flowers  have  been  when  taken  in  hand  by  the  florist. 
The  following  is  an  extract  from  an  English  paper  :  — 

"Hollyhocks.  —  If  I  were  not  afraid  of  advancing  a  horticulta- 


88  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

ral  heresy,  1  should  say  that  many  ameteurs  prefer  Hollyhocks 
to  Dahlias.     The  Hollyhocks  of  Belgium  and  Germany  had  a 
great  celebrity  long  before  they  appeared  among  us.     The  col- 
lections of  the  Prince  of  Salm  Dyck,  and  of  M.  Van  Houtte,  of 
Ghent,  have  been  much   admired.     In   other  places  varieties 
have  been  obtained  with  leaves  more  or  less  lobed,  more  or  less 
entire,  more  or  less  palmate,  all  with  flowers  large,  full,  or  col- 
ored differently  from  those  of  other  plants,  being  sometimes  of 
a  more  or  less  dark  mahogany  color,  at  others  of  a  delicate  tint, 
and  varying  from  the  purest  white  to  the  darkest  glossy  black. 
Some  progress  has  also  been  made  in  the  cultivation  of  those 
plants  by  themselves.     Since  1830,  M.  Pelissier,  jun.,  a  gen- 
tleman of  Prado,  has  cultivated  Hollyhocks,  and  from  the  seeds 
of  a  pink  variety  has  succeeded  in  obtaining  plants  with  flowers 
of  a  delicate  rose  color,  and  which,  in  consequence  of  the  ex- 
treme delicacy  of  their  tints,  and  regularity  of  form,  may  serve 
both  to  encourage  perseverance  and  as  a  good  type  for  seed. 
In  the  following  year,  from  the  seeds  of  pink  flowers,  he  ob- 
tained a  beautiful,  brilliant,  clear,  sulphur-colored  specimen, 
perfect  in  every  respect.     It  is  from  the  seeds  of  those  two 
plants  that  he  has  obtained  all  the  other  beautiful  and  remark- 
able varieties  which  he  now  possesses,  after  a  lapse  often  years 
from  his  first  attempts.     As  a  general  rule,  M.  Pelissier  prefers 
flowers  with   six  exterior  petals,  with  entire  edges,  well  open, 
well  set  out,  of  a  middling  size,  of  a  pure,  clear,  brilliant  color, 
and  forming  a  perfect  Anemone.     As  the  flowers  expand,  M. 
Pelissier  removes  whatever  is  not  conformable  to  the  type  he 
has  chosen,  or  is  not  of  a  marked  color,  and   like  a  perfect 
Anemone.     It  is  by  doing  this  every  year  that  he  has  obtained 
twenty  remarkable  varieties,  the  names  and  characteristics  of 
which  have  been  kindly  furnished  by  him,  and  are  given  below. 
1.   Souvenir  de  Malmaison,  delicate  rose,  flower  very  full;  per- 
fection.    2.   Geant  de  Batailles,  red,  flower  very  full.     3.   Ves- 
tale,  fine  pure  white,  flower  very  full.     4.  Anais,  rose,  flower 
very  full ;    perfection.      5.   Chronmtella,  dark  yellow,   flower 
very  full.     6.    Jeune  Euphemie,   clear  red,   flower   beautiful, 


ALTHAEA .  89 

full;  perfection.  7.  Reine  Victoria,  cinnamon-colored,  shaded, 
flower  very  full.  8.  Grand  Peking,  nankeen-colored,  flower 
very  full.  9.  Amaranth,  dark  red,  flower  very  full.  10.  Isa- 
belle,  dark  red,  flower  very  full.  11.  Gn-and  Colbert,  dark  rose, 
streaked,  flower  full,  very  perfect.  12.  Marie  Gabrielle,  fleshy 
white,  flower  full ;  beautiful.  13.  Matilde,  clear  cherry, 
flower  very  full.  14.  Solfaterre,  very  clear  yellow,  flower  very 
full.  15.  Boule  de  Neige,  beautiful  white,  flower  well  rounded, 
full.  16.  Ophirie,  yellow,  with  a  tint  of  pink,  flower  very 
full.  17.  Arlequin,  clear,  approaching  to  dark  violet,  spotted 
with  white.  18.  Desprez,  white,  middle  yellow.  19.  Proser- 
pine, very  dark  red,  flower  very  full.  20.  Pluton,  black, 
flower  very  full." 

The  writer  has  been  very  successful  in  producing  many 
beautiful  varieties  from  seed  from  Germany,  for  which  he 
obtained  the  Horticultural  Society's  premiums  two  successive 
years. 

The  seed  should  be  sown  in  June  or  July.  The  plants 
should  be  pricked  out  in  groups  where  they  are  to  stand  in 
August.  They  will  require  but  little  protection.  As  the 
flower-stems  begin  to  advance,  they  should  be  well  staked.  As 
soon  as  the  flowers  begin  to  expand,  all  inferior  sorts  should  be 
pulled  up.  From  good  seed  many  fine  double  varieties  may 
be  expected  in  one  hundred  plants. 

When  a  good  variety  has  been  obtained,  it  may  be  perpetu- 
ated by  dividing  the  root  every  year,  or  by  cuttings  of  the 
young  shoots. 

The  Hollyhock  flowers  the  second  and  third  years  after 
sowing,  and  then  dies,  unless  its  roots  have  been  divided. 
There  is  no  flower  which  makes  a  greater  show,  when  planted 
in  masses,  than  the  different  varieties  in  all  their  various  colors, 
tints,  and  shades.  It  is  in  flower  most  of  the  months  of  July 
and  August. 

8=* 


90  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

ANEMONE. 

Pasque  Flower.  —  Musk-scented  Geranium. 

Anemone  pulsatilla  is  an  old-fashioned  English  perennial 
border  flower,  easily  cultivated,  and  described  by  Gerarde,  the 
herbalist,  in  his  book  written  two  hundred  and  fifty  years  ago, 
thus  :  —  "It  hath  many  small  leaves,  finely  cut  or  jagged,  like 
those  of  carrots,  among  which  rise  up  naked  stalkes  roughf, 
hairie,  whereupon  doe  grow  beautiful  floures,  bell-fashion,  of  a 
bright  delaied  purple  color ;  in  the  bottom  whereof  groweth  a 
tuft  of  yellow  thrumbs,  and  in  the  middle  of  the  thrumbs  it 
thrusteth  forth  a  small  purple  pointell.  When  the  whole  flower 
is  passed,  there  succeedeth  an  head  or  knob,  compact  of  many 
gray  hairy  lockes,  and  in  the  solid  part  of  the  knob  lieth  the 
seed,  flat  and  hairy,  —  every  seed  having  his  own  small  haire 
hanging  at  it.  The  root  is  thicke  and  knobby,  of  a  finger  long, 
running  right  down,  and  therefore  not  unlike  those  of  the 
Anemone,  which  it  doth  in  all  its  other  parts  very  notably 
resemble,  and  whereof  no  doubt  this  is  a  kind." 

A.  nemerosa,  or  Wood  Anemone,  is  one  of  our  earliest 
flowers  in  spring,  appearing  in  April,  and  continuing  through 
May ;  found  in  company  with  violets  and  other  vernal  flowers, 
in  wood  and  pastures,  and  beside  walls  and  fences.  It  grows  in 
spreading  clusters,  sending  up  its  stem,  bearing  three  leaves, 
which  is  crowned  with  one  single  white  flower,  the  external 
part  of  which  is  of  a  reddish  purple. 

There  is  another  indigenous  species  of  the  Anemone,  a 
perennial  also,  called  the  rue-leaved  or  A.  thalictroides,  which 
is  distinguished  from  the  last  by  its  number  of  flowers  and 
more  finely-divided  leaves.     Flowers  white,  in  April  and  May, 

These  two  species  require  some  care  in  transplanting,  as  the 
roots  are  delicate  and  straggling.  It  requires  shade  and 
moisture. 


ANSONIA ANTIRRHINUM.  91 


AMSONIA. 


Amsonia  latifolia.  —  Broad-leaved  Amsonia.  —  Amsonia 
salicifoUa.  —  Willow-leaved  Amsonia. — Natives  of  our  south- 
ern states.  These  two  species  resemble  each  othei'  some- 
what, except  one  has  long,  broad,  peach-shaped  leaves,  and  the 
other  willow-shaped  ;  both  are  hardy  perennials,  with  pretty 
blue  flowers,  two  feet  high,  in  June  ;  easily  cultivated  in  almost 
any  soil. 


ANTIRRHINUM. 

Sna/p-Dragon. 

This  is  a  curious,  as  well  as  an  ornamental,  genus  of  plants, 
mostly  perennials  or  biennials.  The  word  Antirrhinum  is 
derived  from  words  in  Greek  which  express  "similar  to  a 
nose."  The  flower  bears  a  perfect  resemblance  to  the  snout  or 
nose  of  some  animal ;  by  applying  the  thumb  and  finger  to  the 
side  of  the  corolla,  it  opens  and  shuts,  as  with  a  spring.  It  is 
described  by  Gerarde  in  his  Herbal,  thus  :  "  This  purple  Snap- 
Dragon  hath  great  and  brittle  stalks,  which  divideth  itself  into 
many  fragile  branches,  whereupon  do  grow  long  leaves,  sharp- 
pointed,  very  greene,  like  unto  those  of  ^^^ld  flax,  but  much 
greater,  set  bj''  couples  and  set  one  opposite  against  another. 
The  flowers  grow  at  the  top  of  the  stalkes,  of  a  purple  color, 
fashioned  like  a  frog's  mouth,  or  rather  a  dragon's  mouth,  from 
whence  the  women  have  taken  the  name  Snap-Dragon.  The 
seed  is  black,  contained  in  round  husks,  fashioned  like  a  calf's 
snout,  —  whereupon  some  have  called  it  calf's  snout,  —  or  in 
mine  opinion  it  is  more  like  unto  the  bones  of  a  sheep's  head 
that  hath  been  long  in  the  water,  or  the  flesh  consumed  clean 
away." 

Since  Gerarde's  day,  the  Snap-Dragon  has  sported  into  many 
varieties,  not  only  purple  but  rosy,  crimson,  yellow,  red  and 
yellow,  red  and  white,  white  striped,  mottled,  tipped,  &;c.     It 


92  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

is  not  a  perfect  perennial,  as  it  is  apt  to  die  out  every  few 
years.  The  varieties  may  be  propagated  from  cuttings  or 
divisions  of  the  root.  It  is  raised  abundantly  from  seed,  flower- 
ing the  first  year  in  autumn ;  but  not  so  strong  as  the  second 
year.  "Many  beautiful  varieties  are  in  cultivation.  It  fiojir- 
ishes  best  in  a  dry,  loamy  soil,  and  is  in  flower  in  June  or 
July.  There  is  a  beautiful  Antirrhinum  which  grows  pro- 
fusely by  the  road-side  ;  the  flowers  yellow  and  orange  :  A.  li- 
naria,  or  Yellow  Toad  Flax.  This  would  be  desirable  for  the 
garden,  were  it  not  for  its  weedy  propensity  of  running  about 
the  ground  where  it  is  not  wanted. 


AQUILEGIA. 

Columhine. 

Aquilegia,  from  aquila,  an  eagle.  The  inverted  spurs  of  the 
flower  have  been  likened  to  the  talons  of  a  bird  of  prey. 

A.  vulgaris,  and  its  varieties,  are  too  well  known  to  require 
description.  Some  of  them  are  very  beautiful,  and  all  interest- 
ing when  planted  in  beds  or  masses  ;  they  are  of  every  shade 
of  blue,  purple,  white,  reddish-brown,  striped  or  variegated, 
with  single,  semi-double,  and  full-double  flowers.  In  bloom  in 
May  and  June  ;  two  feet  high.  Propagated  from  seed,  or  the 
choice  varieties  by  divisions  of  the  roots. 

A.  Cafiadense  is  one  of  the  finest  species  ;  indigenous ;  com- 
mon in  rocky  situations ;  flowering  early  in  May.  It  has  pen- 
dulous scarlet  flowers.  I  have  seen  a  variety  Vi?ith  pure  white 
flowers,  and  undertook  to  transfer  it  to  my  garden,  but  the  root 
was  wedged  into  a  seam  in  a  rock,  and  was  broken  off  and 
ruined  m  the  attempt.  Mr.  Carter,  formerly  of  the  Botanic 
Garden,  had  a  straw-colored  variety.  This  elegant  vernal 
flower  is  much  improved  when  cultivated  ;  the  stool  increasing 
in  magnitude,  throwing  up  many  more  stems,  and  the  flowers 
larger.     If  a  little  more  attention  could  be  given  to  its  cultiva- 


ARMERIA ASTER.  93 

tion  from  seed  from  flowers  cross-impregiiated  from  the  garden 
species,  no  doubt  some  fine  varieties  would  be  obtained. 

A.  glandulosa  is  a  beautiful  and  newly-introduced  species, 
of  great  beauty.  The  plant  is  more  dwarfish  in  its  habits  than 
the  common  Columbine ;  the  leaves  more  finely  divided.  It  is 
about  one  foot  high,  producing  in  June  numerous  large,  rich, 
sky-blue  flowers ;  the  internal  part  and  margin  of  the  corolla 
pure  white.  It  is  one  of  the  most  desirable  of  the  family; 
raised  from  seeds  or  divisions  of  the  root.  Columbine  should 
be  divided  soon  after  flowering,  and  not  in  the  spring.  All  are 
at  home  in  any  common  garden  soil. 


ARMERIA. 

Thrift. 

This  genus  contains  a  number  of  ornamental  plants,  gen- 
erally well  adapted  for  rock-work. 

Armeria  vulgaris  is  the  Common  Thrift  of  the  garden,  and, 
next  to  Box,  desirable  for  edgings.  It  is  rapidly  multiplied  by 
divisions  of  the  root.  Its  pink  flowers  are  produced  in  June 
or  July,  on  stems  six  inches  high,  in  little  heads  or  clusters. 


ASTER. 

Star-Floiver. 

This  large  genus  of  plants  embraces  more  than  ninety 
species,  all  inhabitants  of  the  United  States ;  some  of  them 
very  handsome  ;  giving  life  and  beauty  to  our  fields  and  woods, 
during  the  autumnal  months,  by  the  profusion  of  the  various 
shades  of  their  blue,  purple,  or  white  flowers.  Most  of  the 
family  are  perennia  Is,  easily  transplanted  when  in  flower,  pro- 
vided they  are  cut  down  to  the  ground,  and  may  be  planted 
among  the  shrubbery  or  borders,  and  will  add  grace  and  beauty 


94  BRECK'S    book    of    FLO"\ArERS. 

to  the  garden.  One  of  the  finest,  A.  Novcb  Angles,  or  New 
England,  is  a  strong-growing  plant,  three  or  four  feet  high, 
with  large  purple  flowers. 

A.  multijlora  is  a  very  fine  plant,  producing  its  snow-white 
flowers  in  beautiful  wreaths,  having  small  linear  leaves,  of  a  deep 
glossy  green  ;  two  feet  high.  If  we  had  never  seen  this  so 
common,  and  if  it  had  been  introduced  from  some  foreign  land, 
it  would  no  doubt  produce  quite  a  sensation  among  florists. 

A.  puniceus  has  brilliant  light-blue  flowers ;  grows  three  or 
four  feet  high. 

A.  cyanus  has  purplish-blue  flowers ;  three  feet  high. 

A.  diffusus  is  a  beautiful  species,  producing  a  profusion  of 
small  white  flowers  with  brownish  disk;  two  to  three  feet  high. 

A.  puniceus,  A.  cordifolia,  A.  corymbosum,  A.  Icsvis,  A. 
diversifolia,  and  many  others,  would  be  valuable  acquisitions 
to  the  large  flower-garden,  and  all  improved  by  transplanting. 
They  would  open  a  wide  field  for  improvement  by  hybridizing. 


ASCLEPIAS. 
Sivallow-  Wort. 

This  is  a  numerous  genus  of  plants,  of  which  there  are 
found  in  the  United  States  about  twenty  species.  Many  of 
them  are  cultivated  in  England  as  ornamental  plants,  and,  in 
an  extensive  collection,  they  should  be  brought  into  the  flower- 
garden  here ;  and  a  few  of  them  in  any  collection,  however 
small. 

The  following  are  some  of  the  species  which  may  be  found 
in  New  England.  Nos.  1,  4,  5,  6,  8,  and  13,  are  some  of  the 
most  ornamental,  and  may  be  transplanted  to  gardens  soon 
after  flowering.     They  are  all  perennials. 

"  1.  Venosa — has  leaves  elegantly  variegated  with  white  and 
crimson  veins,  and  the  stems  terminate  in  an  umbel  of  pale, 
flesh-colored  flowers. 


ASCLEPIAS.  95 

"  2.  Pulchra.  — Water-Silk-Weed, — has  nearly  erect  stems, 
four  or  five  feet  high ;  umbels  very  small ;  flowers  crimson- 
purple.     Grows  on  low,  wet  land,  by  the  side  of  ponds. 

"  3.  Variegata.  —  Variegated.  —  Leaves  rough,  umbels  com- 
pact and  come  out  from  the  side  of  the  stalk ;  flowers  of  an 
herbaceous  odor. 

"  4.  Nivea.  —  White,  or  Almond-leaved.  —  Stalks  two  feet 
high,  and  of  a  dark  green.  Leaves  deep  green  above,  and  pale 
beneath,  smooth  and  rather  stiff.  Flowers  green,  with  white 
nectaries. 

"  5.  Incarnata,  —  Flesh-colored,  —  has  several  upright  stalks 
about  two  feet  high,  at  the  top  of  which  ai'e  produced  close 
umbels  of  purple  flowers  ;  blooms  in  August. 

"  6.  Decumhens.  —  The  stalks  are  declining,  hairy,  a  foot 
and  a  half  high ;  leaves  narrow ;  umbels  compact,  at  the 
extremity  of  the  branches ;  flowers  a  bright  orange  color. 

"  7.  Verticillata.  —  Stalks  slender,  upright ;  umbels  at  the 
extremity  of  the  stems ;  leaves  in  whorls  of  four,  five,  and  six 
together  ;  flowers  small  and  of  a  greenish-white  color.  Found 
in  Roxbury  and  Dedham ;  blooms  in  July. 

"  8.  Tuberosa. —  Butterfly -weed. —  Root  large,  fleshy,  branch- 
ing and  somewhat  fusiform,  but  it  is  only  by  comparison  with 
other  species  that  it  can  be  called  tuberous ;  stems  numerous, 
growing  in  bunches  from  the  root,  hairy  and  duslvy  red ; 
flowers  numerous,  erect,  and  of  a  beautiful  bright  orange  color ; 
grows  in  Woburn  and  Newton ;  blooms  in  August. 

"  9.  Obtusifolia.  —  Blunt-leaved.  —  Stems  erect,  supporting  a 
terminal  umbel,  at  a  distance  from  the  leaves,  which  are  oppo- 
site, ovate,  heart-shaped  at  the  base ;  flowers  large,  of  a  green- 
ish-white, tinged  with  red ;  it  is  found  in  Cambridge  and 
Mount  Auburn ;  blooms  in  July. 

"  10.  Phytoloccoides.  —  Poke-leaved.  —  A  tall,  large-flowering 
species,  of  a  delicate  appearance ;  stem  erect,  four  or  five  feet 
high ;  leaves  large ;  umbels  nodding,  flowers  large,  petals 
green,  nectaries  white  or  flesh-colored  ;  grows  in  low  grounds; 
blooms  in  June. 


96  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

"11.  Purpurescens.  —  Dark-flowered.  —  Stem  erect ;  flowers 
of  a  dark  crimson  purple  ;  grows  in  Cambridge  and  Newton, 
but  is  rare. 

"  12.  Quadrifolia.  —  Four-leaved.  —  A  delicate  species, 
growing  in  dry  woods  ;  stem  about  a  foot  high  ;  flowers  flesh- 
colored  ;  is  found  in  Roxbury  and  Brookline,  and  blooms  in 
June. 

"  13.  Amonea.  —  Oval-leaved.  —  Stalks  from  a  foot  and  a 
half  to  three  feet  high ;  at  each  point  are  two  large  leaves, 
which  are  thickish,  stiff',  smooth,  with  purple  nerves  ;  umbels 
rise  from  the  stalk  and  some  of  the  upper  axils ;  flowers 
of  a  bright  red  color. 

"14.  Syriaca.  —  Milk-weed,  or  Silk-weed.  —  This  species 
abounds  all  over  our  country,  and,  for  the  many  useful  purposes 
to  which  it  may  be  applied,  is  deserving  of  attention. 

The  flowers  of  the  Asclepias  are  produced  in  umbels ;  all 
are  very  attractive  to  the  butterfly  family  and  other  beautiful 
insects,  and  for  this  reason  a  few  species  should  be  introduced 
into  the  garden. 


BAPTISIA. 

Baptisia,  from  bapto,  to  dye :  in  allusion  to  the  econom- 
ical properties  of  some  species.  A  blue  dye  is  extracted  from 
the  leaves. 

Baptisia  australis  was  formerly  Sophora  australis,  and  is 
commonly  called  by  that  name.  The  genus  Sophora  has  been 
much  altered,  and  now  consists  chiefly  of  fine  trees.  It  con- 
tains, however,  two  species  of  ornamental  herbaceous  plants. 
S.  Jlavesceris,  with  yellow  flowers,  a  native  of  Siberia,  and  S. 
alepechroides,  with  blue  flowers,  from  the  Levant ;  the  former 
two,  the  last  four,  feet  high. 

Baptisia  australis  is  considered  a  handsome  border  flower 
of  the  easiest  culture,  exceedingly  hardy  and  indigenous  to 
some  parts  of  North  America.  It  produces  its  blue  flowers  in 
terminal   spiked  racemes  in  June.     Leaves  ternate   stalked  ; 


BELLIS CAMPANULA.  97 

leaflet  cuneate  lanceolate ;  stipules  longer  than  the  stalk,  lan- 
ceolate. A  variety  has  white  flowers ;  another  with  brown 
and  yellow. 


BELLIS. 

Common  Daisy. 

Bellis  perennis.  —  A  well-known  perennial,  in  bloom  from 
March  to  August ;  three  inches  high.  There  are  several 
varieties,  as  the  red,  white,  blush,  red-quilled,  white-quilled, 
hen  and  chicken,  &c. 

This  beautiful  little  flower  will  not  stand  our  winters  with- 
out protection.  They  are  best  kept  in  a  frame,  where  they 
can  be  preserved  from  the  extreme  cold  weather,  and  exposed 
to  the  sun  and  air. 

Daisies  may  be  propagated  abundantly,  by  dividing  the 
roots ;  but  these  should  be  planted  in  shady  borders,  where 
they  will  not  be  exposed  to  the  too  powerful  influence  of  our 
summer  sun,  which  would  absolutely  destroy  them,  if  left  to  its 
mercy. 

CAMPANULA. 

Bell-Flower. 

This  is  a  large  family  of  plants,  mostly  handsome,  hardy, 
perennial ;  some  of  them  very  beautiful,  and  about  all  suitable 
for  ornamenting  the  borders.  We  have  one  indigenous  species, 
which  is  very  pretty,  and  worthy  a  place  in  the  border ;  found 
abundantly  on  the  banks  of  Merrimack  river,  at  and  above 
Lowell.  It  is  ver}'^  much  like  C.  rotundifolia,  of  England. 
Having  cultivated  them  side  by  side,  we  can  see  but  a  shade's 
difference.  Mr.  Eaton  calls  our  species  also  rotund'ifolia. 
Each  species  has  nearly  round,  or  heart  kidney  crenate  radical 
leaves,  from  which  the  specific  name  is  given,  and  linear  entire 
9  f^ 


98  bkeck's  book  of  flowers. 

cauline  ones,  with  drooping,  solitary,  fine  blue  flowers ;  those 
of  the  English  species  being  rather  the  largest,  with  the  cau- 
line leaves  a  little  broader.  The  common  name,  with  us,  is 
Flax  bell-flower,  or  Hair  bell.  It  is  in  flower  in  July  and  Au- 
gust; one  foot  high. 

Campanula  medium.  —  Canterbury  Bells.  —  This  species, 
with  its  varieties,  may  be  considered  one  of  our  oldest  orna- 
mental plants,  having  for  a  long  time  been  cultivated  in  our 
gardens  ;  it  is,  nevertheless,  a  showy  plant,  and  will  doubdess 
always  be  retained  as  a  prominent  ornament  of  the  border. 
The  varieties  are  rose,  blue,  and  white,  double  and  single. 
The  double  varieties,  however,  are  much  inferior  to  the  single 
ones,  and  will  be  cultivated  only  for  their  singularity.  Being 
biennials,  it  will  be  necessary  to  sow  the  seeds  every  year.  ^ 
The  young  plants  must  be  transplanted  to  the  place  in  which 
they  are  to  flower,  in  August  or  September,  for  if  deferred  until 
spring  the  bloom  will  be  greatly  weakened ;  the  same  holds 
good  with  all  biennials,  and  most  seedling  perennials. 

Campanula  persicafolia.  —  Peach-leaved  Campanula.  —  This 
is  one  of  the  finest  species,  containing  a  number  of  beautiful 
varieties,  with  large,  showy  flowers,  more  bowl-shaped  than 
the  last.  The  varieties  are  single  and  double  blue,  single  and 
double  white,  maxima  or  large  peach-leaved,  and  grandis  or 
large  flowering.  All  of  them  are  perfectly  hardy,  with  hand- 
some foliage,  which  makes  them  valuable  as  border  flowers. 
Stems  angular ;  leaves  stiff";  obsoletely  crenate  serrate  ;  radical 
ones,  oblong  ovate;  cauline  ones,  lanceolate  linear;  three  feet 
high  ;  in  flower  in  June  and  July. 

Campanula  pyramidalis.  —  Pyramidal  Bell-flower.  —  This 
is  a  grand  ornament,  when  cultivated  in  perfection,  forming  a 
pyramid  from  four  to  six  feet  high,  producing  innumerable 
flowers  for  two  or  three  months,  if  shaded  from  the  sun.  It 
was  formerly  a  great  favorite  in  England,  but  its  popularity 
has  long  since  passed  away  to  give  place  to  other  more  fash- 
ionable flowers,  which  have  in  their  turn  also  been  succeeded 
by  other  rivals  more  fair.     But  the  old-fashioned  Hollanders 


CAMPANULA.  99 

are  not  quite  so  fickle  ;  flowers  with  them  seem  to  be  esteemed, 
notwithstanding  their  antiquity.  The  Pyramidal  Bell-flower  is 
said  to  be  in  demand  there  still,  as  an  ornament  to  halls,  stair- 
cases, and  for  being  placed  before  fire-places  in  the  summer 
seasons. 

"  By  Seeds.  —  The  plants  so  raised,  are  always  stronger,  and 
the  stalks  rise  higher,  and  produce  a  great  number  of  flowers. 
They  are  to  be  sown  in  pots  of  light  earth,  soon  after  being 
gathered,  protected  by  a  frame  during  winter,  and  will  come 
up  in  the  spring.  When  the  leaves  decay,  in  October,  they  are 
to  be  transplanted  to  beds  of  light,  sandy  earth,  without  any 
mixture  of  dung,  which  is  a  great  enemy  to  this  plant.  Here 
they  are  to  remain  two  years,  being  protected  by  rotten  tan ; 
they  are  then  to  be  removed  to  their  final  destination,  in  Sep- 
tember or  October ;  and  the  year  following,  being  the  third 
year  from  sowing,  they  will  flower. 

"  The  C.  carpartica,  grandijlora,  and  several  other  showy 
species,  may  be  similarly  treated." 

Seedling  plants,  in  our  climate,  will  flower  the  second  year, 
generally  ;  some  not  until  the  third.  A  slight  protection  is 
necessary  during  winter. 

Campanula  grandijlora  is  now  separated  from  Campanula, 
and  is  united  with  the  small  genus  Wahlenbergia,  and  is  called 
Wahlenbergia   grandijlora. 

Campanula  trachelium.  —  Throatwort.  —  There  are  four 
varieties  of  this  species,  viz.,  single  and  double  blue,  single  and 
double  white  ;  flowers  from  July  to  August ;  three  or  four  feet 
high. 

Campanula  rapiincuhis.  —  Rampion.  —  A  native  of  the 
woods  of  Britain,  and  cultivated  not  only  for  ornament,  but 
also,  "  in  France  and  Italy,  and  sometimes  in  Britain,  for  the 
roots,  which  are  boiled  tender  and  eaten  hot,  with  sauce,  or  cold 
with  vinegar  and  pepper.  It  is  sown  in  the  spring,  on  deep, 
light  soil,  in  drills,  and  will  be  ready  for  use  by  the  autumn  of 
the  same  year.     C.  persicafolia  and  rapunculoides  may  also  be 


100  bkeck's  book  of  flowers. 

cultivated   for  the  same  purpose."      A  biennial,  with  purple 
flowers  in  July  and  August ;  three  feet  high. 

Campainda  glomereta,  —  Cluster-flowered,  —  "  is  a  handsome 
rock  or  pot  plant ;  it  requires  a  dry,  lean  soil,  otherwise,  as  in 
most  plants,  the  flowers  lose  the  intensity  of  their  color  in  that 
which  is  very  rich."  Flowers  purple,  in  clustered  heads,  in 
May  and  June  ;  two  feet  high  ;  a  native  of  Siberia.  Leaves 
scabrous,  oblong  lanceolate  sessile.  Campanula  iirticifolia,  spe- 
ciosa,  versicolor,  azurea,  bononiensis,  lactijlora,  aggregata,  with 
numerous  other  species,  are  worthy  of  a  place  in  every  garden, 
as  they  are  easily  cultivated,  succeed  admirably  in  our  climate, 
and  will  endure  the  severest  of  winters.  But  a  small  portion 
of  this  large  genus  require  protection. 


CARDAMINE. 


Cardamine  pratensis  plena.  —  Double  Cardamine.  — A  hardy 
perennial,  from  Britain,  one  foot  high,  with  double  white 
flowers,  in  May  or  June ;  propagated  by  dividing  the  root. 


CASSIA. 


Cassia  Marylandica.  —  Maryland  Cassia.  —  A  hardy,  indig- 
enous perennial,  four  feet  high,  with  yellow  flowers,  from 
August  to  September,  Many  of  this  genus  are  beautiful 
plants,  but  mostly  tender  ;  some  species  are  sensitive,  and  close 
their  leaves  in  wet  weather,  or  at  the  approach  of  night. 


CATANANCHE. 


Catananche  cerulea.  —  Blue  Catananche.  —  A  handsome  per- 
ennial, from  the  south  of  Europe,  one  and  a  half  foot  high,  with 


CHRYSANTHEMUM.  101 

brilliant  blue  flowers  in  July  and  August.      Propagated  from 
seed  and  parting  the  roots. 


CHRYSANTHEMUM. 

Chinese  Chrysanthemum. 

This  is  one  of  the  handsomest  autumnal  flowers,  and  easily 
cultivated  in  almost  any  soil.  It  stands  the  winter  without 
covering,  but  is  best  cultivated  in  pots,  where  it  can  receive 
protection  when  in  bloom,  in  severe  weather  in  autumn.  In 
warm  seasons,  it  flowers  well  in  October  and  November,  in  a 
sheltered  place,  in  the  open  ground.  The  plants  may  be  culti- 
vated in  the  garden  till  they  are  in  bud,  when  they  may  be 
safely  transferred  to  pots  ;  but  it  would  be  better  to  commence 
their  cultivation  from  the  slip  or  cutting,  in  the  spring,  and 
sink  the  pots  into  the  ground,  in  a  shady  place,  until  the  time 
of  taking  up.  The  varieties  are  endless,  early  and  late,  tassel- 
flowered,  quilled,  flat-petalled,  &c.,  with  every  shade  of  light 
purple,  yellow,  white,  lilac,  blush  brown,  red  brown,  &c. 

For  common  culture,  divide  the  roots  in  the  spring,  and 
plant  them  out,  where  they  are  to  stand,  in  a  warm  exposure, 
in  good  rich  loam.  As  they  are  coming  into  bud,  give  them 
occasional  waterings  with  liquid  manure. 

To  produce  handsome,  dwarf,  bushy  plants,  the  following 
course  may  be  adopted,  as  practised  by  Youell  &  Co.,  Eng- 
land, which  course,  they  say,  "  if  carried  out,  will  ensiire 
dwarf  plants  from  one  and  a  half  to  two  feet  high,  covered  with 
rich  dark-green  foliage,  and  carrying  blooms  from  five  to  seven 
inches  in  diameter.  In  the  last  week  in  May  we  select  the 
tops  of  the  strongest  shoots  for  cuttings,  putting  four  or  five 
round  the  edge  of  a  three-inch  pot,  and  placing  them  in  a 
gentle  warmth.  When  rooted,  they  are  potted  singly  in  the 
same  sized  pot,  and  kept  in  a  close  frame,  for  a  few  days,  until 
they  have  become  established.  The  tops  may  then  be  pinched 
out,  leaving  five  or  six  joints  to  remain  for  lateral  shoots. 
9# 


102  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

After  a  few  days'  hardening  off,  they  are  then  removed  to  an 
open  situation,  allowing  the  plants  a  sufficient  distance  from 
each  other  to  prevent  their  drawing,  care  being  observed  that 
they  do  not  suffer  from  want  of  water.  About  the  third  week 
in  July,  we  shift,  for  blooming,  into  seven-inch  pots,  using  a 
small  handful  of  coarsely-broken  bones  at  the  bottom.  The 
soil  we  use  consists  of  equal  parts  of  well  decayed  (one  year 
old)  pig  manure,  turfy  loam,  and  leaf-mould,  adding  half  a 
barrowful  of  peat,  and  half  ditto  of  road-drift  to  every  four 
barrows  of  the  above.  When  potted,  they  are  placed  in  rows 
two  feet  apart,  and  they  require  but  little  attention,  except 
watering,  for  two  months.  At  the  expiration  of  this  period, 
we  commence  watering  twice  a  week  with  liquid  manure, 
made  with  one  bushel  of  fresh  pig  manure  (free  from  straw) 
to  about  eighty  gallons  of  water.  This  will  be  ready  for  use  in 
two  or  three  days.  As  soon  as  the  plants  show  flower-buds, 
we  tie  each  shoot  to  a  stick,  and  train  them  fan-shaped.  Dis- 
budding ought  now  to  be  attended  to,  reserving  only  one,  or, 
at  most,  two,  at  the  top  of  each  shoot ;  but  where  two  are  left, 
it  is  better  to  take  out  the  second  bud,  and  leave  the  third,  to 
prevent  confusion.  As  soon  as  the  buds  show  color,  the  plants 
are  then  removed  to  the  green-house  or  conservatory,  giving 
plenty  of  air,  and  substituting  water  for  liquid  manure.  We 
ought  to  have  mentioned  that,  where  a  profusion  of  bloom  is 
required,  two  or  three  plants  may  be  inserted  in  the  pots  where 
only  one  is  usually  grown.  This  will  afford  an  opportunity 
of  cutting  away  the  weakest  shoots,  and  reserving  the  strongest 
only." 


CHELONE. 

Chelone  barhata. —  Scarlet  Chelome. — A  half  hardy  perennial, 
from  Mexico,  three  feet  high,  from  July  to  September,  with 
orange  scarlet  flowers.  It  will  be  necessary  to  cover  it  well 
with  fine  boughs   or   straw,  in   the   winter,   or   they   may  be 


CLEMATIS.  103 

destroyed  by  the  cold.  All  the  species  are  handsome  border 
flowers,  of  easy  culture  in  a  loam  and  peat  soil,  and  can  be 
propagated  by  parting  the  roots,  or  by  seed. 


CLEMATIS. 

Virgin's  Bower. 

Clematis,  from  Greek,  a  tendril ;  in  allusion  to  the  climbing 
habits  of  most  of  the  species.  The  species  are  mostly  climbing 
shrubs,  or  herbaceous  perennials,  of  rapid  growth,  free  bloomers, 
very  ornamental,  and  some  are  highly  odoriferous. 

C.  Virginicum  is  a  native  plant,  well  known  as  a  great 
climber,  growing  profusely  upon  the  banks  of  our  rivers  and 
wet  places  ;  taking  possession  and  covering  all  the  shrubs  in 
its  neighborhood,  to  which  it  attaches  itself  by  its  petioles, 
which  are  given  off,  at  intervals,  in  pairs,  twining  round  objects 
for  support,  and  serving  the  purpose  of  tendrils.  The  flowers 
are  white,  borne  upon  cymes,  and  make  a  handsome  appear- 
ance the  beginning  of  August.  The  most  remarkable  appear- 
ance of  this  plant  is  when  in  fruit;  the  long  feathery  tails  of 
seeds  separating  like  tufts  of  wool.  It  grows  twenty  feet  or 
more  in  a  season,  most  of  which  perishes,  leaving  but  a  small 
portion  shrubby.  It  makes  an  appropriate  covering  for  an 
arbor  or  wall ;  for,  whether  in  flower  or  seed,  it  is  ornamental. 

C.  alpina,  or  erecta,  is  strictly  an  herbaceous  plant,  growing 
from  three  to  four  feet  high,  producing  large  families  of  white 
flowers  in  August.  It  requires  support,  as  it  has  the  propensity 
to  attach  itself  to  everything  in  its  neighborhood,  like  the  last, 
by  its  petioles. 

Clematis  integrifolia.  —  Entire-leaved.  —  A  handsome,  up- 
right plant,  about  two  feet  high,  producing  nodding,  bell-shaped, 
blue  flowers,  most  of  the  season. 

C.  vitacella  is  a  much  admired  species,  with  blue  flowers, 
which  are  produced  from  June  to  September,  on  long  peduncles, 


104  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

from  the  axils  of  the  leaves;  rather  bell-shaped,  and  nodding. 
It  is  a  climber,  growing  from  eight  to  ten  feet  in  a  season; 
dying  down  to  the  ground,  in  this  climate,  but  otherwise  hardy. 
There  is  a  variety  with  double  flowers,  others  with  brownish 
red  flowers,  and  several  improved  varieties. 

C.  Jlammtda  is  a  luxiiriant  climber,  producing  clusters  of 
small  white  flowers,  in  August  and  September. 

C.  Jtorida  has  large  white  flowers ;  like  the  last,  a  luxuriant 
climber.     There  is  a  variety  with  double  flowers. 

C.  Sieholdii.  —  Siebold's  Virgin's  Bower.  —  This  magnificent 
plant  is  said  to  be  a  variety  of  C.florida,  and,  till  lately,  treated 
as  a  green-house  plant,  but  which  has  proved  as  hardy  as  the 
other  sorts.  The  flowers  are  three  or  four  inches  in  diameter, 
the  outer  sepals,  or  petals,  a  creamy  white,  filled  up  with  others, 
disposed  of  in  many  series,  the  groundwork  of  which  is 
white,  suffused  with  a  rich  purple.  No  plant  possesses  a 
stronger  claim  to  a  place  in  the  flower-garden,  from  its  graceful 
habit,  and  from  the  size  and  beauty  of  its  blossoms. 

The  plant  thrives  best  in  a  mixture  of  loam  and  peat,  and 
is  increased  by  layers.  It  was  introduced  by  Dr.  Siebold,  from 
Japan,  a  few  years  since.  I  have  kept  it  two  winters,  by 
covering  it  lightly  with  coarse  manure. 

C.  azurea  grandijlora,  or  Great-flowering  Blue  Virgin's 
Bower,  has  still  larger  flowers  than  the  variety  Sieboldii,  It  has 
the  reputation  of  being  more  tender  than  this,  requiring  greater 
heat  to  bring  it  to  perfection.  With  me,  it  stood  near  the 
other  species  two  winters,  with  the  same  protection.  The 
flowers  are  produced  only  on  the  old  wood ;  it  is  necessary, 
therefore,  to  lay  down,  and  cover  the  growth  of  the  season,  to 
insure  bloom  the  next  year.  The  flowers  are  four  or  five 
inches  in  diameter,  of  a  rich  blue,  in  July ;  a  climber,  like  the 
last,  but  not  of  so  robust  growth. 

Besides  the  species  and  varieties  enumerated,  there  are 
many  others,  esteemed  ornamental. 


CONVALLARIA.  lO-") 

CONVALLARIA. 

Solomon^s  Seal. 

"  No  flower  amid  the  garden  fairer  grows 
Than  the  sweet  Lily  of  the  lowly  vale, 
The  queen  of  flowers." 

Convallaria  majalis.  —  Lily  of  the  Valley.  —  An  elegant 
and  delicate,  sweet-scented  plant,  which  for  ages  has  been  a 
favorite  flower,  and  highly  prized.  It  succeeds  well  in  the 
shade  in  any  soil,  and  soon  spreads  itself,  by  its  slender,  creep- 
ing roots,  beyond  the  desire  of  the  cultivator.  It  flowers  in 
May  and  June.  Gerarde  describes  it,  in  his  quaint  way,  thus : 
"  The  Lilly  of  the  Vally  hath  many  leaves  like  the  smallest 
leaves  of  Water  Plantaine,  among  which  riseth  vp  a  naked 
slalke,  halfe  a  foot  high,  garnished  with  many  white  floures, 
like  bels,  with  blunt  and  turned  edges,  of  a  strong  savour,  yet 
pleasant  enoughf,  which  being  past,  there  come  small,  red 
berries,  much  like  the  berries  of  asparagus,  wherein  the  seed  is 
contained." 

Convallaria  racemose,  or  Solomon's  Seal,  is  a  hardy,  indige- 
nous perennial,  with  yellow  and  white  flowers,  on  terminal 
raceme  panicles,  in  Maj- ;  two  feet  high. 

Convallaria  multijlora,  or  Giant  Solomon's  Seal,  is  another 
native  perennial,  two  or  three  feet  high,  with  white  flowers,  in 
the  axil  of  the  leaves,  in  June.  Both  sorts  are  appropriate  for 
the  shrubbery  or  borders.  Gerarde,  our  old  author,  speaking 
of  the  virtues  of  the  plant,  says,  "  that  the  roots  are  excellent 
good  for  to  seale  or  close  up  greene  wounds,  being  stamped  and 
laid  thereon,  whereupon  it  was  called  Sigillum  Salomoni's,  for 
the  singular  virtue  it  hath  in  sealing  or  healing  vp  wounds, 
broken  bones,  and  such  like."  He  further  says,  "  The  root  of 
Solomon's  Seale,  stamped  while  it  is  fresh  and  greene,  and 
applied,  taketh  away,  in  one  night,  or  two,  at  the  most,  any 
bruise,  blacke  or  bleu  spots,  gotten  by  fals,  or  women's  wilful- 
nesse,  in  stumbling  \ipon  their  hasty  husbands'  fists,  or  such 
like."  A  very  useful  plant,  one  would  think,  for  some  families 
to  cultivate. 


106  breck's  book  of  flowers, 

CONVOLVULUS. 

Morning  Glory. 

Convolvtdus,  from  convolvers,  to  entwine.  This  is  an 
extensive  genus,  of  much  beauty.  The  sweet  potato  belongs 
to  this  family.     Nearly  all  are  climbers. 

Convolvulus  panduratus.  —  Virginian  Convolvulus.  —  This  is 
a  beautiful  perennial,  from  Virginia,  with  large,  white  flowers 
and  purple  centre ;  grows  twelve  feet  high,  flowering  from 
June  to  September.  A  variety  has  double  flowers ;  roots 
tuberous. 

Convolvulus  arvensis.  —  Small  White  Convolvulus.  —  Hand- 
some, indigenous,  perennial,  flowering  in  June  or  July ;  stem 
climbing. 


CORONILLA. 

Coronilla  varia  is  the  only  hardy  herbaceous  perennial  with 
which  we  are  acquainted  in  the  genus.  It  is  worthy  a  place 
in  the  flower-garden,  provided  it  is  kept  Avithin  due  bounds. 
This  may  be  done  by  digging  round  the  plant,  every  spring, 
with  a  spade,  and  removing  from  the  ground  all  its  young, 
creeping  roots,  which  otherwise  would  be  too  neighborly  with 
the  other  plants  in  its  vicinity.  Treated  in  this  way,  if  the 
soil  is  not  very  rich,  it  will  give  an  immense  number  of  its 
pretty  coronets  of  purple  and  white,  or  pink  flowers,  in  long 
succession,  and  they  are  generally  admired.  Leaves  pinnate  ; 
leaflets  numerous,  lanceolate,  smooth.  Stem  lax,  four  feet 
high,  requiring  support  from  wire  or  light  rods. 


COREOPSIS. 


Among  the  numerous  family  of  Coreopsis,  are  included  a 
number  of  showy  perennials,  with  yellow  flowers,  all  perfectly 
hardy,  and  easily  propagated  by  division  of  the  roots. 


COREOPSIS.  107 

Coreopsis  lanceolata,  —  Lance-leaved,  —  is  a  fine  species, 
with  lanceolate  leaves,  producing  a  profusion  of  large,  rich, 
yellow  flowers,  upon  long  peduncles,  (flower-stems,)  which 
begin  to  open  in  June,  and  give  a  continued  succession  until 
autumn.  Height  about  two  feet.  This  is  almost  the  only 
perennial  which  produces  yellow  compound  flowers,  so  early 
in  summer.  A  small  root,  planted  in  April,  will  make  a  large 
plant  by  autumn.  All  the  species  are  propagated  by  dividing 
the  roots.  They  flourish  in  moist  soils,  but  I  have  found  them 
most  luxuriant  in  a  deep,  black  loam,  inclining  to  moisture. 
In  flower  most  of  the  summer. 

Coreopsis  verticillata.  —  Leaves  verticillate  (given  off  in  a 
circle  round  the  stern) ;  opposite,  sessile  (without  footstalks) ; 
ternate  (in  threes) ;  or  quinite  (in  fives) ;  leaflets  linear  lance- 
olate, entire ;  rays  of  the  flower  acute,  pale  yellow ;  disk,  or 
centre,  dark  brown.  The  flowers  have  a  peculiar,  star-shaped 
appearance.  It  is  said  the  florets  are  used  to  dye  cloth  red. 
It  is  a  handsome  shrubbery  or  border  plant,  continuing  from 
July  to  October  in  bloom. 

Coreopsis  tenuifolia.  —  Slender-leaved.  —  The  foliage  of  this 
species  very  much  resembles  the  last,  with  this  difference,  it  is 
much  more  delicate  and  finer.  The  flowers  are  of  the  same 
shape,  a  deep,  shining  yellow,  having  its  disk  also  yellow ;  not 
more  than  a  foot  high  :  in  bloom  in  July  and  August.  A  hand- 
some plant,  suitable  for  the  front  of  the  border. 

Coreopsis  tripteris.  —  Three-leaved.  —  A  tall,  handsome  plant, 
suitable  for  the  shrubbery,  six  feet  high.  Leaves  on  the  stems 
in  threes;  lanceolate,  entire;  radical  ones  pinnate;  flowers  yel- 
low; from  August  to  October. 

Coreopsis  grandifiora.  —  Great-flowered.  —  The  flowers  are 
not  so  large,  however,  as  C.  lanceolata^  or  so  handsome.  Its 
habits  are  diflTerent  from  the  other  species,  having  creeping 
roots,  which  throw  up,  in  every  direction,  stems  not  more  than 
one  foot  high,  with  compound,  much  divided  leaves ;  leaflets 
linear.  As  an  exception  to  the  other  species,  this  is  somewhat 
tender,  and  requires  protection. 


1,Q|8  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

There  were  as  many  as  thirty  species  formerly  included  in 
this  genus,  all  of  which  are  more  or  less  ornamental,  and 
suitable  for  the  shrubbery  or  border.  Latterly,  some  of  the 
species  have  been  distributed  among  the  genus  Actinomeris, 
Simsia,  and  Calliopsis.  In  the  last,  C.  tinctoria  is  now 
arranged. 

CORYDALIS. 

Fumitory. 

Corydalis  fungosa.  —  Wood  fringe,  or  Climbing  Fumitory.  — 
An  elegant,  indigenous,  biennial,  climbing  vine,  growing,  fre- 
quently, in  rich  ground,  from  fifteen  to  thirty  feet,  in  one  season ; 
with  pink  and  white  flowers,  which  are  produced  in  abundance 
during  the  three  summer  months  ;  handsome  foliage.  Propa- 
gated from  seed,  which  should  be  sown  in  April.  The  first 
year,  the  plant  makes  but  little  progress ;  but  the  second  year, 
it  is  of  more  vigorous  growth.  The  young  plants  will  do  best 
to  be  transplanted  where  to  remain  in  July  and  August ;  but 
will  bear  moving  in  the  spring,  if  done  with  much  care. 

Corydalis  formosa.  —  Red-flowered  Corydalis. —  A  handsome 
indigenous  perennial,  with  flesh-colored  or  reddish  flowers, 
from  May  to  July ;  from  six  to  ten  inches  high. 

Corydalis  aicullaria.  —  Naked-stalked  Corydalis,  or  Dutch- 
man's Breeches.  —  An  indigenous  perennial,  with  elegant, 
finely-divided  leaves,  of  a  pale  and  delicate  green,  from  the 
bosom  of  which  arises  a  scape  bearing  a  one-sided,  simple 
raceme  of  white,  singular-looking,  pendulous  flowers. 

It  is  vulgarly  called  Dutchman's  Breeches,  on  account  of  the 
resemblance  of  the  corolla  to  that  article  of  dress.  Flowers  in 
May. 

Corydalis  glauca.  —  Glaucus-leaved  Fumitory.  —  An  indige- 
nous biennial,  from  one  to  three  feet  high,  with  glaucous  leaves  ; 
flowers  yellow,  red,  and  green,  in  June ;  propagated  by  seed. 

There  are  six  or  seven  species  of  the  Corydalis,  all  indige- 
nous, some  of  them  to  be  found  in  New  England.     A  very 


CYPREPEDIUM CYNOGLOSSUM DELPHINIUM.  109 

pretty  genus,  rrfost  of  them  early  flowering,  and  elegant  plants, 
and  worthy  of  cultivation. 


CYPREPEDIUM. 

Lady's  Slipper. 

Cyprepedium,  from  Greek  words,  Venus,  and  a  slipper, 
in  allusion  to  the  elegant  slipper-like  form  of  the  labellum. 
Handsome  indigenous  plants,  that  thrive  only  in  a  shady  border 
and  peat  soil.  • 

The  most  common  species  is  C.  kumile,  or  Two-leaved  Ladies' 
Slipper,  or  Whip-poor-will  Shoe.  It  is  found  in  rich  and  some- 
what shady  woods,  with  two  broad-plaited  leaves,  from  which 
rises  a  leafless  scape,  producing  a  solitary  white  and  purple 
flower,  six  or  eight  inches  high.  There  are  six  species  to  be 
found  in  the  United  States,  with  white,  yellow,  and  purple  and 
white,  or  green  flowers,  all  of  them  singular  in  shape. 


CYNOGLOSSUM. 
JVavelwort. 


It  is  a  beautiful  little  perennial  plant,  with  brilliant  blue 
flowers,  in  April  and  May ;  six  inches  high,  and  is  common  in 
every  cottager's  garden  in  England ;  and  would  be  here,  if 
more  extensively  known. 


DELPHINIUM. 
Larkspur. 

There  are  many  species  and  varieties  of  the  perennial  Lark- 
spur, which  are  indispensable  in  a  collection  of  plants  ;  all  hardy, 
flourish  in  almost  any  soil,  and  easily  propagated  by  dividing 
the  roots.     The  double  varieties  are  in  flower  most  of  the  sea- 
10 


lid  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

son.  The  brilliancy  of  the  blue  color  of  somS  of  the  flowers 
cannot  be  surpassed. 

Delphinium  sinensis  pleno.  —  Double  Chinese.  —  This  is  one 
of  the  most  magnificent  of  herbaceous  plants.  It  can  be  prop- 
agated only  by  dividing  the  roots,  as  it  does  not  produce  seed ; 
it  is  perfectly  hardy,  enduring  the  coldest  weather  without  pro- 
tection ;  it  is  best  to  give  a  little,  however,  as  it  will  flower 
stronger  for  it.  The  flowers  are  of  a  most  beautiful  lively 
blue,  in  long  open  spikes,  upon  graceful,  slender,  purplish  stems, 
three  feet  high.  From  June  to  October  it  displays  its  beauty, 
and  is  indispensable  in  the  formation  of  a  perfect  bouquet. 
Foliage  palmate,  many-parted. 

Delphiniitm  elatum.  —  (Upright.)  —  Bee  Larkspur.  —  So 
called  on  account  of  the  bifid  termination  of  the  nectary  in 
the  centre  of  the  corolla,  in  connection  with  the  anthers  having 
a  fancied  resemblance  to  a  bee. 

This  species,  from  its  height,  which  is  from  five  to  seven 
feet,  is  well  adapted  to  the  shrubbery  ;  its  long,  clustered  spike 
of  fine  blue  flowers  making  a  fine  appearance  in  that  depart- 
ment. It  is  also  suitable  for  the  border,  but  should  be  planted 
at  the  greatest  distance  from  the  walk.  Leaves  downy,  five- 
lobed ;  lobes  cuneate  (wedge  shape)  at  the  base,  trifid  cut. 
Propagated  by  seed  or  divisions  of  the  roots. 

The  plant  is  covered  with  soft  green  down.  It  sports  into 
many  varieties,  from  pale-blue  to  dark,  and  blue  with  a  white 
centre,  which  is  very  beautiful. 

Delphinium  Barlowii,  —  Barlow's  Larkspur,  —  is  a  species 
or  variety  apparently  intermediate  between  the  Great-flowering 
and  Bee  Larkspur.  It  sends  up  a  stem  from  three  to  five  feet 
high,  much  branched  at  the  top,  covered  with  innumerable 
dark  blue  flowers  in  June  and  July,  partaking  somewhat  of 
the  character  of  the  Bee  Larkspur.  Propagated  by  divisions 
of  the  root. 

Delphinium  grandijlorum.  —  Great-flowered.  —  One  of  the 
most  showy  of  the  genus,  sporting  into  many  varieties.  Its 
height  is  from  two  to  three  feet,  and  continues  to  give  a  succes- 


DIANTHUS.  1 1  1 

sion  of  flowers  from  June  to  October ;  which  are  large,  of  a 
fine  blue,  purple  or  white,  double  and  single,  and  often  spotted 
or  shaded  on  each  petal  with  copper  color  on  the  dark  varieties, 
or  with  green  on  the  white.  Leaves  palmate,  (hand-shaped,) 
many  parted. 

It  is  propagated  by  dividing  the  roots  in  the  spring,  about  the 
time  it  begins  to  vegetate,  or  it  may  be  divided  with  success  in 
August.  By  sowing  the  seed,  new  varieties  may  be  expected, 
which,  if  done  early,  will  flower  in  autumn.  Nothing  is  more 
pleasant  than  to  originate  a  new  variety.  It  must  not  be  sup- 
posed, however,  that  there  will  be  much  chance  short  of  a  hun- 
dred plants.  •  It  has  flourished  with  me  in  a  variety  of  soils.  It 
will,  in  fact,  grow  anywhere  without  difficulty,  only  requiring 
to  be  divided  every  few  years,  when  the  roots  become  large. 
It  is  said  to  be  a  native  of  Siberia,  and,  of  course,  must  be 
hardy. 

Among  a  multitude  of  beautiful  seedlings  of  my  own  raising, 
I  have  selected  two  as  worthy  of  cultivation.  The  one  named 
Delphinium  Breckii,  No.  1,  has  large  double  flowers  of  the 
most  exquisite  blue,  which  display  themselves  from  June  to 
November.  It  is  generally  acknowledged  to  be  finer  than  the 
Double  Chinese.  The  plant  is  more  erect  in  its  growth,  from 
two  to  two  and  a  half  feet  high ;  the  color  a  clear,  light, 
vivid,  ultramarine  blue. 

Breck's  No.  2,  is  darker  colored  than  the  last,  and  not  quite 
so  double,  but  makes  a  fine  show. 


DIANTHUS. 

Pink. 

Diantkus,  signifj^ing  the  flower  of  God,  or  divine  flower ; 
so  named  on  account  of  its  preeminent  beauty.  Most  of  the 
species  of  this  genus  are  highly  valued,  not  only  for  the  beauty 
of  their  flowers,  but  also  as  being  evergreens;  their  foliage, 
during  winter,  being  as  abundant  and  as  vivid  as  in  summer. 


112  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

The  fragrance  of  some  of  the  species  is  peculiarly  grateful,  and 
no  plant  in  this  respect  surpasses  the  Clove  and  some  other 
varieties  of  the  Pink. 

Dianthus  caryophyllus.  —  Carnation  Pink.  —  There  is  no 
flower  more  desirable  in  the  flower-garden  than  the  Carnation. 
A  well-grown,  superior  variety,  cannot  be  surpassed,  in  ele- 
gance, beauty,  or  odor,  by  any  other  flower ;  yet  we  scarcely 
ever  see  it  in  perfection.  Its  cultivation  is  attended  with  many 
difficulties,  in  our  climate,  which  may  account  for  its  rarity. 
Our  winters  are  too  severe,  and  springs  too  changeable,  to  keep 
them  in  perfection  in  the  open  ground  ;  and  then  our  summers 
are  too  dry  and  hot  for  the  full  development  of  jts  beauties. 
Seedlings  stand  the  winter  and  spring  without  difficulty,  with 
a  light  covering  of  leaves  and  evergreen  boughs,  and  flower 
very  well ;  but  then  not  one  plant  in  a  hundred  will  be  consid- 
ered worth  saving  by  the  florist,  although  they  will  all  be  inter- 
esting as  single,  semi-double,  or  irregular  flowers,  and  richly 
repay  all  the  labor.  Valuable  varieties  are  generally  propa- 
gated from  layers,  which  often  keep  very  well  in  the  open  ground 
by  letting  them  remain  with  the  parent  plant,  and  covering 
them  with  leaves  and  pine  boughs ;  but  the  most  certain  way 
is,  when  the  layers  have  taken  root,  to  pot  them,  and  at  the 
approach  of  winter  put  them  in  a  frame  where  they  may  be 
kept  with  perfect  safety,  provided  air  is  given  them  in  mild 
weather,  and  they  are  not  exposed  to  the  sun  when  in  a  frozen 
state.  The  mice  are  very  destructive  to  all  the  pink  family; 
therefore  the  frame  must  be  tight. 

Carnations  are  arranged  by  florists  into  three  classes,  viz., 
Flakes,  Bizarres,  and  Picotees.  Flakes  have  two  colors  only ; 
their  stripes  large,  going  quite  through  the  petals.  Bizarres 
are  variegated,  in  irregular  spots  and  stripes,  with  not  less  than 
three  colors.  Picotees  have  a  white  ground,  spotted  or  pounced 
with  scarlet,  red,  purple,  or  other  colors.  The  finer  sorts  are 
regularly  edged  with  these  colors,  on  a  clear  white  or  yellow 
ground.  The  petals  of  a  perfect  flower  should  be  rose-leaved, 
or  with  entire  edges ;  the  flower  should  be  filled  up  in  a  reg- 


DIANTHUS.  1 13 

ular  manner  with  leaves  of  this  description.  It  flowers  in 
July.     On  a  strong  plant  the  stem  will  be  three  feet  high. 

The  propagation  of  the  Carnation  by  layers  is  a  very  simple 
operation.  When  the  plant  is  in  perfection  of  bloom,  lay 
around  it  one  and  a  half  or  two  inches  of  compost,  first  gently 
stirring  the  surface  so  that  it  may  combine ;  remove  the  lower 
leaves  of  the  shoots  selected ;  pass  the  penknife,  slanting  up- 
wards, half  through  the  joint ;  fasten  the  shoot,  where  so  cut, 
about  two  inches  under  the  surface,  with  a  small  hooked  peg, 
bending  it  carefully  so  as  not  to  break  at  the  incision  ;  then  fix 
it  firmly  by  gently  pressing  the  earth  around  with  the  fingers, 
and  finish  by  cutting  off'  about  half  an  inch  of  the  upper 
extremities  of  the  leaves  with  scissors.  The  sap  soon  begins 
to  granulate  at  the  wound,  and  throw  out  roots.  In  about  a 
month  or  six  weeks,  if  it  has  been  kept  moderately  moist,  they 
may  be  severed  from  the  parent  plant  and  established  for  them- 
selves ;  or  they  may  remain  where  they  are,  if  the  stem  to 
which  they  are  attached  be  carefully  cut  ofl'. 

The  Carnation  requires  a  rich,  generous,  deep  soil.  A  com- 
post of  three  parts  of  good,  strong  garden  loam,  three  parts  hot- 
bed manure,  two  years  old,  three  parts  of  coarse  river  sand, 
two  parts  dry  manure  from  a  hen-house,  sifted,  and  two  parts 
of  soot  from  a  wood  fire,  has  been  recommended  for  the  Car- 
nation. 

D.  horteijsis.  —  Garden  Pink.  —  This  species  is  in  perfection 
about  the  last  of  June.  The  foliage  is  more  grass-like,  and 
the  plant  much  hardier,  than  the  Carnation.  The  double  vari- 
eties are  very  desirable,  not  only  for  their  beauty,  but  also  for 
their  fragrance.  They  may  be  propagated  by  dividing  the 
roots,  by  layers,  and  by  pipings.  The  surest  mode  of  propaga- 
tion is  by  layers,  but  piping  is  generally  resorted  to  for  Pinks. 
These  are  shoots  cut  from  the  plant  at  the  second  or  third 
joint,  according  as  they  are  more  or  less  woody  or  juicy,  and 
inserted,  close  to  each  other,  in  a  bed  of  proper  compost  well 
pulverized ;  water  moderately,  so  that  the  earth  may  adhere 
closely  round  the  shoots ;  when  the  moisture  has  somewhat 
10* 


114  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

evaporated  from  the  leaves,  cover  them  up  with  a  hand  glass, 
which  must  be  forced  a  little  depth  into  the  ground  so  as  to 
keep  out  the  air.  This  need  hardly  be  removed  until  the 
plants  have  taken  root;  they  must  be  shaded,  however,  the 
first  fourteen  days,  with  mats  over  the  glasses,  when  the  sun  is 
very  hot.  If  properly  managed,  not  one  in  twenty  will  miss, 
and  between  one  and  two  hundred  may  be  planted  under  one 
glass  ;  in  a  month  or  six  weeks  they  will  be  sufficiently  rooted 
to  move.  Carnations  are  sometimes  raised  from  pipings,  but 
they  are  not  so  sure  as  Pinks  to  take  root.  This  variety  is 
often  called  the  Paisley  Pink,  on  account  of  its  having  been 
raised  in  the  highest  perfection  among  the  weavers  near  Pais- 
ley, in  England.  A  good  Pink  should  have  a  strong,  elastic, 
and  erect  stem,  not  less  than  one  foot  high.  The  petals  should 
be  large  and  broad,  with  very  fine-fringed  edges,  the  nearer 
rose-leaved  the  better.  The  ground-work  of  the  flower  should 
be  pure  white,  or  rose-colored,  with  a  dark,  rich  crimson,  or 
purple  eye,  resembling  velvet;  if  nearly  black,  so  much  the 
richer.  A  delicate  margin,  or  lacing,  round  the  entire  petal, 
if  the  color  of  the  eye,  increases  its  beauty.  The  flower  should 
be  from  two  to  two  and  a  half  inches  in  diameter. 

Dianthiis  Chinensis.  —  China  Pink.  —  This  species  is  a  bien- 
nial of  great  beauty,  but  without  fragrance ;  of  dwarf  habits. 
The  foliage  is  of  a  yellowish  green.  It  flowers  from  seed  the 
first  year ;  it  is  perfectly  hardy,  and  flowers  strong  the  second 
year.  The  colors  are  exceedingly  rich ;  crimson,  and  dark 
shades  of  that  color  approaching  to  black,  are  often  combined 
in  the  same  flower,  with  edgings  of  white,  pink,  or  other  col- 
ors. Seed,  saved  from  double  flowers,  will  produce  a  great 
portion  of  double  varieties.  In  beds  iTvhere  there  may  be  a  hun- 
dred plants,  scarcely  two  will  be  found  alike.  They  are  in 
flower  a  number  of  months. 

Bianthus  barbatus,  —  Sweet  William,  —  is  an  old  inhab- 
itant of  the  flower-garden,  and  was  much  esteemed  in  Ger- 
rarde's  time,  "  for  its  beauty  to  deck  up  the  bosoms  of  the  beau- 
tiful, and  garlands  and  crowns  for  pleasure."     It  is  an  imperfect 


DICTAMNUS.  1 15 

perennial,  but  fine  varieties  are  easily  perpetuated  by  dividing 
the  roots,  soon  after  flowering,  in  June  or  July.  It  is  easily 
raised  from  seeds.  A  bed  of  fine  varieties  presents  a  rich 
sight ;  it  sports  into  endless  varieties,  viz.,  white,  pink,  purple, 
crimson,  scarlet,  variously  edged,  eyed,  and  spotted.  There 
are  also  double  varieties,  but  they  are  no  improvement  over  the 
single. 

Dianthus  superbus. —  Superb  Pink.  —  This  is  one  of  the 
most  fragrant  of  pinks,  flowering  in  July  and  August ;  two 
feet  high ;  the  petals  are  very  much  cut  or  fringed ;  flowers 
white. 

DianthiLS  plumaris,  —  Feathered  Pink.  —  The  edges  of  the 
flower  are  deeply  fringed,  or  feathered  ;  very  fragrant;  twelve 
to  eighteen  inches  high  in  July ;  white,  or  pink,  with  a  dark 
eye ;  sometimes  called  Pheasant-eyed  Pink. 

Dia?ithiis  alpinus.  —  Alpine  or  Dwarf  Pink.  —  A  pretty  little 
perennial,  suitable  for  rock-work,  with  creeping  roots  ;  although 
not  aspiring,  (not  exceeding  three  or  four  inches  in  height,) 
soon  takes  possession  of  all  the  ground  in  the  neighborhood. 
The  flowers  are  white,  or  flesh  color,  variegated  with  a  circle 
of  red,  or  purple,  in  June  and  July. 

There  are  many  other  species  and  varieties  of  Pinks,  annual, 
biennial,  and  perennial,  all  worthy  a  place  in  the  garden. 


DICTAMNUS. 

Dictamnus  fraxinella,  —  Red  Fraxinella,  —  an  ancient  name 
of  what  is  now  supposed  to  be  the  Origanum  dictamnus. 
Fraxinella,  in  allusion  to  the  remarkable  similarity  which 
exists  between  the  leaves  of  the  plant  and  Fraxinus,  the  ash. 
The  whole  plant,  especially  when  gently  rubbed,  emits  an  odor 
like  that  of  the  lemon-peel,  but,  when  bruised,  has  something 
of  a  balsamic  scent.  This  fine  scent  is  strongest  in  the  pedicels 
of  the  flowers,  which  are  covered  with  glands,  of  a  rusty  red 
color,  exuding  a  viscous  juice,  or  resin,  which  exhales  in  vapor. 


116  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

and  in  a  dark  place  may  be  seen  to  take  fire.  It  flowers  from 
May  to  July  ;  three  feet  high  ;  from  Germany.  There  is  also 
a  variety  of  species  with  white  flowers  ;  propagated  by  parting 
the  roots. 


DIGITALIS. 

Foxglove. 

Digitalis;  named,  by  Fuchs,  from  digitabulum,  a  thimble 
in  allusion  to  the  form  of  the  flowers. 

The  species  are,  for  the  most  part,  showy  border  flowers,  of 
easy  culture. 

Digitalis  purpurea,  with  purple  flowers  ;  also  a  variety,  D. 
alba,  with  white  flowers ;  ornamental  plants  of  great  beauty, 
producing  dense  spikes  of  flowers  on  stems,  three,  four,  or  five 
feet  high,  in  June  and  July,  and  straggling  spikes  most  of  the 
season.  It  is  a  biennial,  propagated  by  sowing  the  seed,  which 
flower  the  second  year.  The  plant  sometimes  flowers  the  third 
year.  It  may  be  perpetuated  by  dividing  the  roots  every  year, 
and  is  sometimes  called  an  imperfect  perennial. 

The  plant  is  a  violent  poison,  but  valuable  in  medicine.  It 
is  suitable  for  the  border,  and  maybe  introduced  into  the  shrub- 
bery with  fine  effect,  as  its  tall,  spire-like  spikes,  crowned  with 
its  large  thimble  or  bell-shaped  purple  or  white  flower,  will 
finely  contrast  with  the  green  foliage  of  the  shrubs. 

Digitalis  ferruginea,  ox  Iron-coXoxedi  Foxglove;  a  hardy  per- 
ennial, with  brown  flowers,  from  July  to  August;  four  feet 
high. 

Digitalis  lutea,  or  Small  Yellow  Foxglove ;  a  hardy  peren- 
nial, with  light  yellow  flowers,  from  July  to  August ;  two 
feet  high. 

Digitalis  ochroleuca.  —  Great  Yellow  Foxglove.  —  A  hardy 
perennial,  with  large  light  yellow  flowers,  from  July  to  Au- 
gust ;  four  feet  high. 


DEDOCATHEON  —  DRACOCEPHALUM.  1 17 

Digitalis  lanata,  —  Woolly-flowered  Foxglove,  — with  white 
and  brown  flowers,  from  July  to  August ;  two  feet  high. 


DODECATHEON. 

Dodecatkeon  is  a  name  of  the  Romans,  signifying  twelve  gods 
or  divinities. 

D.  media.  —  American  Cowslip.  —  A  highly  ornamental 
plant,  displaying  its  flowers  in  May  and  June  ;  throwing  up 
stems  a  foot  high,  with  a  large,  umbel-like  cluster  of  singularly 
beautiful  pale  purple  flowers.  The  petals  are  reflexed,  or 
thrown  back  from  the  centre,  like  the  Cyclamen.  There  is  a 
variety  with  white  flowers.  Soon  after  flowering,  the  foliage 
dies  down,  and  the  plant  is  dormant  during  the  summer,  when 
it  may  be  propagated  by  parting  the  roots,  leaving  a  bud,  or 
the  rudiments  of  one,  on  the  crown  of  each.  It  is  a  native 
of  the  west  and  south,  and  perfectly  hardy. 


DRACOCEPHALUM. 

Dragon^s  Head. 

Dracocephalum,  from  Greek  w'ords  signifying  a  dragon's 
head,  because  the  flowers  are  fancied  to  resemble  a  dragon's 
head.  Most  of  the  species  are  hardy  perennials,  easily  propa- 
gated from  divisions  of  the  root,  and  worthy  of  a  place  in  the 
garden. 

D.  Virginicu7)i  is  a  beautiful  plant,  producing  its  flowers  in 
dense,  one-sided  clusters,  or  spikes,  of  a  purplish  color,  on 
stems  three  feet  high,  from  July  to  September. 

D.  dentatian,  —  Dentated-leaved  Dragon 's-Head,  —  resembles 
the  last,  but  of  a  more  dwarf  habit ;  two  feet  high ;  flowers 
pink,  in  July  and  August. 

D.  variegatum.  —  Variegated  Dragon 's-head.  —  Flowers 
pink,  variegated  with  darker  shades. 


118  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

D.  speciosum.  —  Showy  Dragon's-Head.  —  Pink  flowers,  in 
July  and  August;  three  feet  high;  a  native  of  Siberia. 

D.  Sibiricum.  —  Siberian  Dragon's-Head.  —  One  foot  high, 
from  Siberia,  with  light-blue  flowers,  in  July  and  August. 


EPILOBIUM. 

Willow  Herb. 

Epilobium,  from  Greek  words,  signifying  a  flower  grow- 
ing upon  a  pod.  E.  aiigustifolium,  and  other  species,  are  val- 
uable in  shrubberies  as  thriving  under  the  drip  of  trees,  and 
succeed  everywhere,  even  in  the  smoke  of  cities,  and  in  parks. 
It  is  a  good  plant  to  adorn  pieces  of  water,  being  hardy,  and 
of  rapid  increase,  and  very  showy  when  in  flower. 

The  species  E.  spicatum  and  E.  coloratum  are  indigenous, 
and  may  be  found  growing  in  great  luxuriancy  on  newly- 
cleared  land,  among  the  raspberry  bushes,  and  in  other  locali- 
ties. It  produces  dense  spikes  of  purplish  red  flowers,  three  or 
four  feet  high,  in  July  and  August.  It  is  often  thought  to  be 
a  species  of  Phlox,  by  persons  unacquainted  with  botany,  as  at 
a  short  distance  it  has  some  resemblance  to  some  of  that  family ; 
but,  upon  examination,  it  will  be  found  to  be  very  different.  It 
is  easily  propagated  by  cuttings  of  its  long,  straggling  roots. 
It  is  found  growing  in  rather  a  light  soil. 


ERYTHRONIUM. 

Dog's-tooth  Violet. 

E.  Americanum,  —  Yellow-flowered  Dog's-tooth  Violet,  — 
is  a  beautiful  native  plant,  found  in  moist  woods  and  thickets. 
Its  roots  are  bulbous,  running  deep  into  the  ground  ;  they  cannot 
be  removed  in  safety  in  the  spring ;  in  July,  they  may  be 
carefully  dug  up  and  planted  in  a  shady  place  in  the  garden 
Flowers  yellow  in  May ;  three  inches  high. 


EUPHOEBIA EUPATORIUM.  1 19 

EUPHORBIA 

Spurge. 

Euphorbia  corollata.  —  Great-flowered  Euphorbia.  —  This  is 
one  of  the  most  elegant  species  peculiar  to  the  United  States  ; 
a  perennial,  with  subdivided  umbels  of  conspicuous  white 
flowers,  and  narrowish,  oblong  obtuse  leaves.  This  plant  is 
not  uncommon  in  the  sandy  fields  of  the  Middle  States,  and  is 
in  flower  in  June  and  July.  Propagated  by  divisions  of  the 
root. 

Euphorbia  lathyris.  —  Common  Caper.  —  A  half-hardy  bien- 
nial. A  plant  of  handsome  appearance,  with  inferior  flowers 
from  May  to  September,  —  from  England.  From  three  to  four 
feet  high.  The  plants  will  stand  the  winter  without  protection, 
but  are  oftentimes  entirely  destroyed.  A  few  plants  should  be 
taken  up  and  placed  in  a  dry  cellar,  and  planted  out  in  the 
spring. 


EUPATORIUM. 

Thoroughwort. 

Eupatorium  purpicreum.  —  Purple  Thoroughwort.  —  Purple 
flowers  in  August ;  perennial ;  four  to  six  feet  high  ;  indige- 
nous ;  leaves  in  fours  and  fives.  This  plant  cannot  be  said  to 
be  elegant,  yet  it  is  not  destitute  of  beauty,  and  will  be  a  val- 
uable acquisition  to  the  shrubbery.  Its  tall  stem  terminates  in 
large  corymbs  of  small  shining  purple  flowers. 

Eupatorium  ccBlestinum.  —  Sky-blue  Eupatorium.  —  A  peren- 
nial ;  two  feet  high.  This  is  the  most  beautiful  species  in  exist- 
ence. It  grows  wild,  from  the  Potomac  to  the  Mississippi.  Its 
flowers,  produced  very  late  in  autumn,  are  of  a  beautiful  smalt 
or  sky-blue.  The  roots  of  this  species  are  creeping,  from  which 
it  is  easily  propagated. 

Eupatorium  perfoliatum, — Bone-set,  or  Medicinal  Thorough- 
wort, —  is  a  plant  whose  medicinal  virtues  are  held  in  high 
estimation  ;  but  it  has  no  claim  to  beauty. 


120  beeck's  book  of  flowehs. 

GENTIANA. 
Gentian. 

Gentiana  saponaria.  —  Barrel-flowered  Gentian.  —  A  hand- 
some indigenous  perennial,  with  blue  flowers  in  September, 
From  one  and  a  half  to  two  feet  high.  A  curious,  barrel- 
shaped  flower,  to  be  found  on  the  margin  of  streams.  It  may 
be  transplanted  to  the  garden  without  difficulty. 

Gentiana  crinata.  —  Fringed  Gentian.  —  An  elegant,  deli- 
cate flower,  that  may  be  found  in  meadows  in  September  and 
October,  and  ranked  with  one  of  our  handsomest  indigenous 
plants.  The  corolla  is  pale-blue,  four-cleft,  segments  finely 
fringed  ;  —  perennial.  Propagated  from  the  seed.  Should  be 
sown  as  soon  as  ripened.  There  are  many  other  beautiful 
species  of  Gentians,  suitable  for  the  border,  highly  esteemed  in 
England,  but  hardly  known  here. 


GERARDIA. 

American  Foxglove. 

Gerardia;  in  honor  of  John  Gerarde,  the  old  English 
botanist. 

Gerardia  Jlava,  and  G.  quercifolia,  are  beautiful  native 
plants,  with  five  large,  bell-shaped,  yellow  flowers,  but  difficult 
to  introduce  into  the  flower-garden.  Probably  they  would  suc- 
ceed from  seed,  if  planted  in  a  shady  place. 


GILIA, 


Gilia  coronopifolia,  the  Canlua  coronopifolia  of  Willdenow. 
—  The  different  names  of  fyomopsis,  Cantua  and  Ipomea,  have 
given  place  to  Gilia,  amongst  which  genus,  after  minute  exami- 
nation, this  flower  has  been  most  properly  classed.     It  was 


GLYCINE.  121 

first  introduced  into  England  about  the  year  1720,  from 
seeds  collected  by  Catesby,  in  the  upper  districts  of  Georgia 
and  Carolina ;  but  as  the  seeds  are  seldom  perfected  in  that 
climate,  all  traces  of  it  have  been  lost,  until  very  recently ; 
we  do  not  think  that  its  beauty  will  allow  it  to  share  this  fate 
again,  while  the  attention  to  horticulture  remains  in  its  present 
state. 

It  is  a  biennial,  of  most  elegant  appearance,  but  is  very  sub- 
ject to  damp  off,  and  difficult  to  keep  through  the  winter. 
Much  protection  is  sure  to  kill  the  plants.  It  has  generally 
been  considered  a  tender  plant,  and  treated  as  such.  Having 
many  fine  plants,  I  distributed  them  in  various  exposures,  in 
hopes  to  save  some.  About  half  of  the  whole  number  were  in 
fine  condition  in  the  spring.  The  driest  soil,  in  the  shade  of 
a  fence,  seems  to  be  the  most  favorable  situation  for  them. 
If  the  gi'ound  is  inclining  to  moisture,  there  is  but  little 
chance  for  them.  So  fine  a  plant  as  the  Gilia  deserves  a  place 
in  eveiy  garden.  I  should  recommend,  for  experiment,  to  sow 
the  seed  in  August,  as,  perhaps,  the  small  plants  would  endure 
the  winter  better  than  large  ones. 

The  plant  grows  from  four  to  five  feet  high.  The  foliage  is 
superb,  similar  to  the  Cypress  vine,  with  numerous  scarlet- 
spotted  flowers,  that  continue  in  bloom  a  number  of  months. 

The  plants  may  be  potted  and  kept  in  the  house,  or  green- 
house, through  the  winter,  and  then  planted  out  in  the  open 
border. 


GLYCINE. 

Ground-nut. 

"  Glycine,  from  glykys,  sweet ;  the  leaves  and  root  of  one 
species  are  sweet.  Glycine  frutescens,  and  especially  Glycine 
sinensis,  (now  Wistaria  coTisequena,)  are  most  beautiful  hardy 
climbing  shrubs,  with  long,  pendulous  branches  of  blue  flowers, 
like  the  Laburnum." 
11 


122  breck's  book  of  floweks. 

Glycine  apios,  or  ground-nut,  indigenous  and  common  in  rich, 
moist  woods  and  thickets,  produces  flowers  in  axillary,  crowded 
racemes,  of  a  blackish  purple,  and  makes  a  pleasing  addition  to 
the  various  ornaments  of  the  border.  Its  roots  are  strings  of 
oblong  cylindric  tubers,  frequently  known  by  the  name  of  pig, 
or  Indian  potatoes ;  when  roasted  or  boiled,  they  are  eatable, 
having  a  flavor  approaching  the  common  potato,  and  said  to 
have  made  an  ordinary  part  of  the  vegetable  food  of  the  abo- 
rigines. The  leaves  are  pinnated,  each  consisting  of  from  five 
to  seven  ovate  acuminate  leaflets.  Stems  round,  twining ; 
from  six  to  eight  feet  high ;  flowering  in  July  and  August. 


GERANIUM. 

Geraniu7n  prateiise.  —  It  is  said  that  "  its  flowers  partake 
of  a  degree  of  delicacy  by  which  it  greatly  surpasses  in  efiect 
its  more  common  blue  congener.  Its  flowers  vary  much  in  the 
portion  of  color  which  they  display,  some  being  nearly  all 
blue,  whilst  others  are  produced  completely  white." 

Geranium  angulatum. — Angular-stalked-Crane's  bill.  —  This 
species  is  a  native  of  Europe,  and  has  been  cultivated  since 
1789.  A  perennial,  of  easy  culture,  eighteen  inches  high,  with 
a  profusion  of  pink  flowers  in  June. 

"  The  GeraniuTn  angulatum^  from  its  numerous  flowers,  is 
highly  ornamental.  It  may  be  appropriately  planted  among 
low  shrubs,  or  strong  herbaceous  plants ;  and  it  will  succeed 
in  rather  shady  places,  which  renders  it  oftentimes  a  desirable 
plant.     Divisions  of  the  roots  aflbrd  sufficient  increase." 


GLAUCIU]\[. 

Glauciuni  fulvum.  —  Horned  Poppy.  —  It  has  an  unlucky  com- 
mon name,  otherwise  it  would,  perhaps,  be  more  generally  intro- 
duced into  the  garden  than  it  appears  to  be,  as  it  deserves  a 


HEPATICA HESPERIS.  J^ 

place  in  every  collection,  not  so  much  for  its  flowers,  which  are 
very  pretty,  but  particularly  for  its  "sea-green,  dew-bespangled 
leaves,"  which  are  universally  admired,  and  peculiar  to  the 
genus.  The  flowers  are  yellow  or  orange,  and  continue 
through  the  season.  It  is  a  biennial,  a  native  of  the  south  of 
Europe. 

"  The  whole  plant  abounds  in  a  yellow  juice." 
G.  luleum  with  yellow,  and  G.  phceniccum  with  red  flowers, 
are  annuals. 


HEPATICA. 

Early  Anemone. 

Hepatica  triloba.  —  Three-lobed.  —  This  delicate  little  plant 
is  one  of  the  earliest  visitors  in  spring,  flowering  in  sunny  spots 
before  the  snow  has  left  the  ground.  The  flowers  are  bluish- 
purple,  and  sometimes  white.  The  leaves  are  heart-shaped  at 
base,  divided  into  three  lobes.  Found  in  open  woods.  It  suc- 
ceeds well  in  a  shady  place  in  the  garden.  There  are  some 
lovely  cultivated  varieties,  with  double  blue,  red  and  white 
flowers,  but  they  are  rarely  seen  in  collections  of  plants. 


HESPERIS. 

Garden  Rocket. 

Hesperismatr Orudis.  —  Dame's  Violet. —  The  single  varieties 
of  this  fragrant  flower  are  common  in  most  gardens.  It  is  a 
biennial  or  imperfect  perennial,  easily  raised  from  seeds,  pro- 
ducing flowers  the  second  year,  on  long  spikes,  in  May  and 
June,  of  various  shades,  from  pure  white  to  purple  ;  three  to  four 
feet  high.  Fine  varieties  may  be  perpetuated  by  divisions  of 
the  root.  Perfectly  hardy.  The  double  varieties  of  this  flower 
are  superb,  and  highly  esteemed  for  their  fragrance  and  beauty. 


124  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

There  is  a  purple  and  white  variety,  both  very  double,  forming 
a  spike  about  one  foot  high.  It  was  known  in  Gerarde's  time, 
and  cultivated  by  him  in  1597.  He  remarks,  "  By  the  indus- 
try of  some  of  our  florists,  within  these  two  or  three  years,  hath 
bin  brought  unto  our  knowledge  a  very  beautiful  kind  of  these 
Dame  violets,  having  very  fair,  double,  white  floures."  These 
double  varieties  are  very  difficult  to  preserve,  consequently 
rarely  to  be  seen. 


HELIANTHUS. 

San-Flower. 

Helianthtis,  from  Greek,  signifying  the  sun  and  a  flower. 
Nothing  can  be  a  more  complete  ideal  representation  of  the 
sun,  than  the  gigantic  annual  Sun-flower,  with  its  golden  rays. 
It  is  dedicated,  with  great  propriety,  to  the  sun ;  but  the  idea, 
entertained  by  some,  that  the  flowers  are  turned  to  the  sun  at 
all  hours  of  the  day,  is  erroneous. 

There  are  varieties  of  indigenous  perennial  Sun-flowers,  that 
produce  a  profusion  of  yellow  flowers  in  autumn ;  which,  being 
generally  tall-growing  plants,  (from  four  to  six  feet  high,)  might 
be  an  additional  ornament  to  extensive  shrubberies. 

HeUanthus  multijlora.  —  Many-flowered.  —  The  double  vari- 
ety of  this  plant  has  large  deep-yellow  flowers,  in  August  and 
September,  of  the  size  and  form  of  the  Dahlia.  It  has  thick, 
fleshy  roots,  every  piece  of  which  will  make  a  strong  plant  when 
planted  in  the  spring.  I  have  found  it  rather  tender  in  moist 
ground,  but  in  dry  locations,  with  a  little  protection,  it  stands 
the  winter;  — five  to  six  feet  high. 


HEMEROCALLIS. 

Day  Lily. 

Hemerocallis,  from  the  Greek  words,  signifying  beautiful 
day-lily ;  part  of  the  tribe  is  now  separated  in  the  genus  Funkia. 
It  is  an  ornamental  tribe,  of  the  easiest  cultivation. 


HIBISCUS.  125 

Hemerocallis  jlava,  —  Yellow  Day  Lily,  —  has  a  brilliant 
yellow  lily-shaped  flower  in  June ;  two  feet  high ;  leaves  long- 
keeled,  linear. 

H.  fulva. — Copper-colored  Day  Lily.  —  An  old  inhabitant 
of  the  flower-garden ;  in  flower  most  of  the  season  ;  four  feet 
high ;  flower,  yellowish  copper-color ;  leaves  like  the  last,  but 
much  larger, 

H.  ccerulea,  now,  Funkia  cmrulea,  —  Blue  Day  Lily,  —  is  a 
plant  with  broad  ovate  leaves ;  flowers  blue,  in  June  and  July ; 
two  feet  high. 

H.  japonica,  or  Funkia  japonica,  —  White  Day  Lily, —  has 
large,  pure  white,  fragrant  flowers,  which  open  daily  in  the 
month  of  August,  on  stems  one  and  a  half  to  two  feet  high ; 
leaves  broad  ovate,  nerved. 

These  and  other  Day  Lilies  are  hardy,  easily  propagated  by 
division  of  the  roots,  and  require  little  or  no  protection. 


HIBISCUS. 

Hibiscus  is  one  of  the  Greek  names  for  the  Mallows.  The 
species  are  for  the  most  part  showy,  and  easily  cultivated ;  the 
flower  is  Mallows  or  Hollyhock  shaped. 

Hibiscus  militarus.  —  Halbert-leaved  Hibiscus.  —  This  is  a 
fine  species ;  growing  six  to  eight  feet  high  ;  producing  very 
large  white  flowers,  with  a  deep-red  centre.  In  August  and 
September. 

H.  palustris,  —  Marsh  Hibiscus,  —  is  found  growing  in  some 
parts  of  New  England,  by  the  sides  of  streams ;  it  has  large 
pink  flowers.  The  height  and  habits  are  like  the  last.  They 
are  easily  propagated  from  seeds  or  divisions  of  the  root.  They 
succeed  in  any  good  garden  soil ;  but  flourish  better  in  a  moist 
low  ground.  It  is  well  adapted  for  planting  in  the  shrubbery. 
11# 


126  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

HYPERICUM. 

St.  John'' s-wort. 

Of  this  plant  there  are  several  varieties  growing  wild,  which 
are  troublesome  weeds. 

Hypericum  ascyroides.  —  Giant  Hypericum.  —  This  is  a  tall 
plant,  three  or  four  feet  high,  with  large  yellow  flowers  with 
numerous  stamens  ;  it  prefers  the  shade  of  trees,  Avhich  makes 
it  a  valuable  ornament  for  shrubberies. 


IBERIS. 

Candy   Tvft. 

There  is  but  one  species  of  perennial  Candy  Tuft  generally 
known  among  us,  and  this  is  deserving  a  place  in  every  garden, 
which  is  Reris  tenoreana.  This  plant  is  half  shrubby  at 
the  base,  with  delicate  linear  foliage,  and  is  covered  with  a 
profusion  of  its  pure  white  flowers,  in  umbel-like  corymbs,  in 
June  and  July.  The  stems  are  rather  decumbent  and  spread- 
ing; about  six  inches  high.  The  plant  is  propagated  by  layers, 
or  cuttings.  It  is  not  inclined  to  make  itself  too  common,  like 
some  plants ;  for,  unless  special  pains  are  taken,  it  will  not 
increase. 


IRIS, 


Fleur-de-luce. 

"  The  enamelled  earth,  that  from  her  verdant  breast 
Lavished  spontaneously  ambrosial  flowers, 
The  very  sight  of  which  can  soothe  to  rest 

A  thousand  cares,  and  charm  our  sweetest  hours." 

The  bulbous-rooted  species  of  this  very  extensive  and  orna- 
mental family  have  already  been  treated  of.  —  See  page  59. — 


IRIS.  127 

The  species  and  varieties  of  the  Iris  are  almost  without  end ; 
most  of  them  tuberous-rooted;  of  easy  culture  and  propagation, 
by  division  of  the  roots ;  suitable  for  the  border,  most  of  them 
being  hardy.  I  shall  note  such  as  have  come  under  my 
observation. 

Iris  piimila,  —  Dwarf  Iris,  —  is  from  three  to  six  inches 
high,  with  rich  purple  flowers,  early  in  May. 

/.  cristata,  —  Crested  Iris,  —  is  another  dwarf  variety,  of 
the  same  height  of  the  last,  with  elegant,  variegated,  light-blue, 
crested  flowers,  in  May ;  with  creeping  roots  ;  a  very  desirable 
species. 

/.  Jlorentina,  —  Florentine  Iris,  —  has  large  white  flowers, 
in  May  and  June ;  two  feet  high. 

/.  germanica,  —  German  Iris,  —  is  the  common  Fleur-de- 
luce  of  the  gardens  well  known  to  all.  Flowers  large,  blue 
and  purple  ;  two  feet  high  ;  May  and  June ;  similar  to  the  last 
in  size  and  habits. 

J.  pallida.  —  Pale  Turkey  Iris.  —  A  very  fine  species,  with 
straw-colored  flowers,  veined  with  brown.  One  and  a  half 
foot  high ;  in  June.  The  stems  are  many-flowered,  and  stand 
above  the  leaves. 

I.  variegata,  —  Variegated  Iris,  —  is  a  very  delicate  and 
elegant  species.  The  flowers  bluish-white,  elegantly  feathered 
with  blue  ;  in  June ;  stem  many-flowered,  two  feet  high. 

I.  sambuciana.  —  Elder-scented  Iris.  —  A  very  beautiful 
species,  with  brilliant,  pale-blue,  variegated  flowers,  on  stems, 
many-flowered,  four  feet  high,  standing  above  the  foliage, 
which  is  long  and  narrow,  or  more  grass-like  than  the  common 
sorts.  The  roots  of  it  are  of  a  more  fibrous  character  than 
most  of  the  family,  and  mat  together  so  hard  that  they  are 
with  difficulty  separated.  A  clump  of  this,  with  its  numerous 
rich  flowers  rising  above  their  graceful  foliage,  makes  as  much 
show  as  any  other  plant  of  its  season.     The  last  of  June. 

I.  pscud-acorus,  —  The  Yellow-water  Iris  of  England,  —  has 
handsome  yellow  flowers,  the  last  of  June,  three  feet  high. 

I.  ccdestina.  —  Sky-blue  Iris.  —  This  is  a  magnificent  plant. 


128  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

with  long,  broad  leaves,  and  very  large,  light-blue  flowers,  on 
stems  three  feet  high. 

I.  versicolor.  —  Blue  Flag.  —  This  is  a  fine  indigenous 
species,  a  showy  ornament  of  our  meadows  in  the  early  part  of 
summer.     It  succeeds  well  in  the  garden. 

I.  gracilis  is  another  native  species,  but  not  very  common. 
It  has  grass-like  foliage,  with  stems  one  foot  high,  with  a  num- 
ber of  small  purple  flowers,  veined  with  yellow ;  very  pretty. 

There  are  many  other  fine  Iris  in  cultivation,  with  which 
there  has  been  such  a  hocus-pocus  game  played  by  the  florist, 
that  it  is  impossible  to  tell  their  origin.  I  have  a  number  of 
varieties  of  this  kind :  one,  a  dwarf  yellow,  one  foot  high ; 
another,  of  the  same  height,  upper  petals  yellow,  lower  ones 
rich  brown ;  one  ash  color,  shaded  with  blue ;  one  rich  dark- 
purple  ;  and  a  yellow  flower,  with  variegated  leaves.  There 
are,  also,  varieties  innumerable,  with  every  mixture  of  yellow, 
blue,  brown,  purple,  and  white  in  their  coloring. 


L  A  T  H  Y  R  U  S . 
Everlasting  Pea. 

Lathyrus  latifolhis,  or  Everlasting  Pea,  is  a  most  beautiful, 
large,  diff'use  perennial,  producing  a  long  succession  of  large 
light-purple  or  pink  flowers,  in  clusters  of  eight  or  ten  each. 
The  plant  is  suitable  for  the  shrubbery,  arbors,  or  for  training 
to  a  trellis.  When  supported,  it  attains  the  height  of  six  feet. 
"It  attaches  and  supports  itself,  like  all  scandent  plants,  by 
means  of  the  branching  tendrils  terminating  its  single  pair  of 
broad  leaflets,  and  which  twining,  economical  processes  are,  in 
fact,  reasoning  from  strict  analogy,  the  abortive  rudiments  of 
other  sets  of  leaves,  though  never  developed." 

A  variety  has  white  flowers.  It  may  be  propagated  by 
dividing  the  roots,  or  more  extensively  by  sowing  the  seeds. 


LAMIUM LOBE  LI  A.  189 

which  ought  to  be  planted  where  the  plant  is  to  stand,  as  it 
sends  down  a  tap  root  to  a  great  depth. 

Young  plants  will  flower,  the  second  year,  feebly,  but  the 
third  or  fourth  year  they  produce  a  profusion  of  foliage  and 
flowers.  Some  botanists  have  suggested  that  it  might  be 
applied  to  agricultural  purposes  with  profit,  on  account  of  its 
yielding  so  great  a  quantity  of  fodder  and  seed. 

Lathyrus  grandijlorus.  —  Great-flowered  Everlasting  Pea. 
—  The  flowers  are  very  large,  rose-colored,  and  appear  two  or 
three  together  j  the  foliage  and  stems  light  and  elegant.  Not 
in  common  cultivation. 


LAMIUM. 

Lamia  was  a  celebrated  sea-monster.  The  flowers  of  this 
genus  have  a  considerable  resemblance  to  the  grotesque  figure 
of  some  beast.     Most  of  the  species  are  ugly  weeds, 

Lamium  rugosom,  or  Rough-leaved  Lamium,  produces  clus- 
ters of  its  curious  white  flowers  all  the  season,  and  is  suitable 
for  rock-work.     The  odor  of  the  plant  is  rather  unpleasant. 


LOBELIA. 

Cardinal  Flower. 

The  generic  name  is  in  honor  of  M.  Lobel,  physician  and 
botanist  to  James  I.  The  genus  is  very  large,  containino-  more 
than  eighty  species.  The  predominant  color  is  blue.  Many  of 
the  family  are  very  ornamental.  The  most  desirable  for  the 
border,  that  are  much  known,  are  L.  cardincdis,  siphilitica,  fid- 
gens,  splendens,  and  speciosa.  The  two  first  will  stand  the  winter 
very  well,  with  some  protection ;  but  the  last  three  must  be 
potted  in  the  fall,  and  kept  in  a  frame,  or  in  the  cellar,  and 
planted  out  in  the  spring. 

Lobelia     cardi7ialis.  —  Scarlet    Cardinal     Flower.  —  This 


130  breck's  book  of  floweks. 

splendid  native  plant  embellishes  the  borders  of  our  brooks  and 
rivulets,  in  the  months  of  July  and  August,  with  its  unrivalled 
scarlet  blossoms.  It  is  a  mistaken  notion  that  it  will  flour- 
ish only  in  wet  ground.  I  have  taken  it  up,  when  grow- 
ing in  water,  and  planted  it  in  a  soil  that  was  far  from  being 
moist,  with  good  success.  It  was  introduced  into  England  in 
1629,  and,  to  this  day,  is  duly  appreciated.  Justice,  who  pub- 
lished a  work  on  gardening,  in  1754,  in  describing  it,  says  :  — 
"  It  is  a  flower  of  most  handsome  appearance,  which  should  not 
be  wanting  in  curious  gardens,  as  it  excels  all  other  flowers 
I  ever  knew  in  the  richness  of  its  color."  It  has  an  erect 
stem,  two  to  three  feet  high,  with  broad  lanceolate,  serrate 
leaves ;  flowers  in  terminal  spikes,  pointing  one  way.  The 
roots  of  all  the  species  are  composed  of  many  white  fleshy 
fibres. 

L.  fidgens,  —  the  Fulgent  Cardinal  Flower, —  is  a  native  of 
Mexico,  and  was  introduced  into  England  in  1S09.  Leaves 
narrow  lanceolate,  toothed,  revolute  at  the  edge ;  stem  pubes- 
cent, (downy,)  three  feet  high ;  its  bright  scarlet  flowers  in 
terminal  racemes. 

L.  splendens,  —  the  Splendid  Cardinal  Flower,  —  is  also  a 
native  of  Mexico,  introduced  into  England  in  1814.  Leaves 
narrow  lanceolate ;  stem  quite  smooth,  three  feet  high ;  flowers 
brilliant  scarlet,  in  terminal  racemes. 

L.  injlata,  or  Bladder-podded  Lobelia,  is  probably  familiar 
with  every  one,  at  least  its  name.  Its  virtues  are  so  highly 
prized  by  some,  that  we  are  almost  led  to  suppose  that  it  is  a 
sovereign  remedy  for  all  diseases  that  flesh  and  blood  are  heir 
to.  The  plant  is  an  annual,  of  not  much  interest,  with  small 
blue  flowers,  and  inflated  pods  or  seed-vessels,  common  in  dry 
pastures  and  road  sides.  The  whole  plant  is  a  violent  emetic. 
It  is  not  used  often  by  regular  practitioners. 

L.  speciosa,  —  the  Showy  Cardinal  Flower,  —  "is  anew  and 
very  late  introduced  variety.  It  was  found  growing  among  the 
other  varieties,  in  a  flower  border  in  Scotland,  and  is  supposed 
to  be  a  hybrid  between  siphilitica,  and  either  fulgens  or  cardi- 


LOBELIA.  131 

nalis.  Its  rich  purple  blossoms  form  a  fine  contrast  with  the 
bright  scarlet  ones  of  the  other  varieties."  The  leaves  like  ful- 
gens  ;  stem  also  pubescent. 

L.  siphllitica,  —  the  Blue  Cardinal  Flower,  — is  a.  native  of 
Virginia,  and  introduced  into  England  in  1665.  "  It  has  its 
specific  name  from  its  supposed  efficacy  in  the  cure  of  the 
syphilis,  among  the  North  American  Indians.  Sir  William 
Johnson  purchased  the  secret  from  them,  but  Woodville  says  its 
virtues  have  not  been  confirmed  by  any  instance  of  European 
practice."  Stem  erect,  two  feet  high ;  raceme  leafy,  with 
flowers  of  a  bright  sky-blue. 

The  treatment  is  the  same  for  all  those  enumerated.  I  once 
had  them  in  great  perfection,  having  a  soil  and  situation  well 
adapted  to  their  growth,  with  a  little  preparation.  The  soil, 
naturally,  was  a  black,  heavy  loam,  upon  a  clay  and  gravel 
subsoil,  a  little  springy,  and  never  very  dry.  On  the  spots 
designed  for  their  location,  I  threw  four  or  five  shovelfuls  of 
river-sand,  and  two  of  partly  decomposed  night-soil  compost, 
and  had  it  thoroughly  incorporated  with  the  soil, /or  two  feet 
round,  which  made  it  quite  light,  and  placed  the  plants  in  the 
centre.  They  began  to  flower  in  July,  and  continued  to  throw 
up  vigorous  stems,  with  an  abundance  of  flowers,  until  October. 
Their  growth  was  so  luxuriant,  that  it  was  necessary  to  tie  up 
to  slender  rods,  stuck  into  the  ground,  a  number  of  times,  to 
prevent  them  from  being  broken  by  the  wind.  Cardinalis  and 
fulgens  were  more  than  three  feet  high ;  the  others  between 
two  and  three  feet.  They  may  be  easily  propagated,  by  laying 
the  stems  in  July  and  August,  or  dividing  the  roots  in  the 
spring,  or  by  seed. 

"  Van  Mons  observes,  that  L.  cardinalis  perishes  in  sandy 
soil,  but  becomes  strong  and  multiplies  in  loam,  while,  at 
the  same  time,  it  produces  the  most  brilliant  colors  in  the 
former. 

"  The  same  thing  may  doubtless  be  predicted  of  the  other 
species,  it   being   a  well-known   law  of  nature,  as   to  living 


1S2  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

beings,  that  their  energies  are  concentrated  in  proportion  to  the 
obstacles  thrown  in  the  way  of  their  expansion." 

L.  spicata.  —  Synom.  pallida.  —  A  beautiful  indigenous  spe- 
cies, common  in  most  pastures  and  by  the  road  sides,  with 
lively  pale-blue  flowers,  in  long  terminal  spikes,  in  July. 
Stem  upright,  smooth,  a  little  hairy,  one  and  a  half  foot  high. 
1  have  never  seen  this  species  cultivated,  but  have  no  doubt 
but  what  it  would  be  very  much  improved,  and  prove  a  valu- 
able acquisition  to  the  border. 

I  have  succeeded  with  Lobelia  cardinalis,  in  rather  a  dry, 
loamy  soil,  without  much  care ;  but,  to  have  it  in  its  greatest 
perfection,  it  should  have  a  moist  location. 


LUNARIA. 

Honesty. 

Lunaria  biennis.  —  Honesty  is  an  old-fashioned  plant,  flow- 
ering the  second  year  from  seed,  and  then  dying.  It  produces 
large  purple  flowers,  in  May  and  June,  that  are  succeeded  by 
large  elliptical  pods,  which,  when  dry,  are  rather  ornamental. 
Lunaria  is  from  luna,  the  moon,  in  allusion  to  the  broad,  round, 
silvery  pods  or  silicles. 


L  UPIN. 

Most  of  the  species  are  ornamental  plants,  suitable  for  the 
garden;  some  annual,  but  mostly  perennials. 

Lupinus  perermis  is  a  well-known  species,  indigenous  to 
many  parts  of  New  England,  found,  frequently,  in  large  masses, 
from  a  yard  to  two  rods  in  circumference,  occupying  the  very 
poorest  sandy  or  gravelly  arid  soil ;  frequently  in  company 
with  the  pretty  Silene  Pennsylvanica,  or  Wild  Pink,  and  more 


LUPIN.  133 

commonly  with  Viola  "pedata,  or  Bird's-foot  Violet,  all  of  which 
are  in  bloom  about  the  first  of  June.  It  is  very  difficult,  or 
even  impossible,  to  transplant,  with  success,  this  fine  perennial. 
The  only  sure  way  to  propagate  it  is  by  seed,  which  should  be 
gathered  before  it  is  entirely  ripe,  as  it  is  scattered,  as  soon  as 
mature,  by  the  sudden  bursting  of  the  pod,  by  which  the  seed 
is  thrown  to  a  considerable  distance.  Nor  will  it  succeed,  like 
the  last  described  species,  on  rich  ground ;  but  whenever  the 
seeds  are  to  be  sown,  the  soil  should,  in  the  first  place,  be 
removed,  or  a  greater  part  of  it,  from  a  circle  whose  diameter 
is  three  or  four  feet,  and  the  hole  be  filled  up  with  a  poor, 
gravelly  or  sandy  soil,  and  the  seed  sown  in  the  centre. 

The  flowers  are  found,  in  the  wild  state,  of  various  colors 
and  shades,  from  pure  white  (which  is  rare)  through  all  the 
shades  of  light  to  dark-blue,  inclining  to  purple ;  the  margin  of 
the  flowers  is  frequently  copper  color,  sometimes  inclining  to 
red.  One  variety  has  flowers  of  a  dull  pink.  Stem  erect, 
hairy.  The  digitate  leaves  are  composed  of  about  eight  or  ten 
leaflets,  which  are  lanceolate,  wedge-shaped,  arranged  like  rays 
around  the  end  of  the  petiole ;  hairy  and  pale  underneath. 

Many  beautiful  Lupins  have,  within  a  few  years,  been  added 
to  the  list  of  herbaceous  plants,  chiefly  through  the  exertions 
of  Mr.  Douglas,  in  his  excursions  in  North  and  South  America, 
most  of  which  were  found  on  the  North-west  coast,  from  Cali- 
fornia to  the  Columbia  river,  which  part  of  the  world  seems  to 
be  the  central  position,  or  head  quarters,  of  this  genus  of  plants, 
more  being  found  here  than  in  all  the  world  besides. 

Lupinus  polyphyllus,  —  Many-leaved  Lupin,  —  is  a  splendid 
plant,  from  the  north-west  coast  of  North  America.  The  fol- 
lowing account,  which  I  gave  of  it  fifteen  years  ago,  is  as 
good  as  new  :  — 

"  I  received  seed  of  this  fine  Lupin,  a  few  years  since,  only 
one  of  which  vegetated.  It  produced  radical  leaves,  only,  the 
first  year,  which  were  multifoliated,  and  borne  on  long  petioles. 
The  second  year,  it  was  transplanted,  with  much  care,  into  rich 
soil,  having  been  exposed,  through  the  winter,  to  all  the  rigors 
12 


134  breck's  book  of  flowkhs. 

of  the  season,  without  protection.  In  the  month  of  May  the 
flower-stalks  began  to  be  developed,  and  produced,  in  June, 
spikes  of  flowers,  which  were  two  feet  in  length,  and  from  three 
to  four  feet  in  height  from  the  ground.  The  flowers  are  dis- 
posed in  long  terminal  clusters,  of  a  beautiful  azure  blue,  with  a 
reddish  border,  forming  a  kind  of  whorls,  very  near  each  other, 
round  the  stem.  The  leaves  are  composed  of  from  twelve  to 
fifteen  green,  lanceolate  leaflets,  hairy  on  the  under  side.  The 
flowers  resemble  those  of  blue  Sophora,  {Baptisa  austraUs,)  but 
far  more  elegant.  The  third  year  it  flowered  abundantly, 
throwing  up  numerous  flower-stems,  so  luxurious  that  many 
were  broken  by  the  wind  before  they  were  secured  by  stalks. 
The  third  year  the  roots  should  be  divided,  as  they  become 
large  in  rich  ground  ;  the  central  part  first  decays,  and  finally 
the  whole  root  perishes,  unless  this  operation  is  performed. 
There  is  also  a  white  variety." 

There  is  also  a  number  of  other  species,  among  which  are  L. 
grandijlora,  and  other  fine  sorts.  They  are  best  propagated 
by  seeds  ;  but,  with  care,  some  of  the  sorts  may  be  increased 
by  divisions  of  the  roots. 


LYCHNIS. 

Lychnis  chalcedonica.  —  Scarlet  Lychnis.  —  This  is  common 
in  most  gardens,  under  the  name  of  London  Pride.  It  is  an 
esteemed  border  flower,  of  easy  cultivation.  The  flowers  are 
brilliant  scarlet,  which  make  it  more  valuable,  as  comparatively 
few  flowers  of  that  color  are  to  be  found  among  hardy  herba- 
ceous plants.  One  of  the  most  splendid  decorations  of  the  bor- 
der is  the  Double  Scarlet  Lychnis.  It  is  propagated  only  by 
divisions  of  the  root,  or  cuttings  of  the  flower-stem  ;  the  single 
variety  is  raised  freely  from  seed.  The  cuttings  are  taken  oflT 
at  any  time  when  the  shoots  are  tender,  and  planted  in  a  sandy 
loam,  in  a  warm  situation,  but  covered  with  a  hand-glass  and 
shaded  from  the  sun.  When  well-established,  they  may  be 
transplanted  into  the  bed  or  border  where  they  are  to  remain, 


LYSAMACHIA.  135 

and  will  flower  strongly  the  next  year.  There  is  also  a  single 
and  double  white  variety.  All  the  varieties  do  best  in  a  light, 
rich,  loamy  soil.  It  is  necessary  to  take  up  and  divide  the 
roots  every  other  year.  The  best  time  to  do  this  is  early  in 
the  spring.  A  light  protection  is  necessary  to  the  double  vari- 
eties, to  insure  a  vigorous  bloom.  The  flowers  are  fascicled, 
(collected  in  bundles,)  level-top  or  convex ;  two  feet  high ;  in 
June  and  July.  The  double  varieties  continue  to  give  flowers 
until  autumn. 

L.  fulgens,  —  splendid,  —  is  a  hardy  species  from  Siberia, 
with  scarlet  flowers  ;  one  foot  and  a  half  high  ;  not  common 
with  us. 

L.  coronata  is  a  showy  species  from  China.  The  flowers 
are  large,  solitary,  terminal,  and  axillar}^  red,  the  petals  torn; 
one  foot  and  a  half  high.  Unfortunately,  this  beautiful  plant 
will  not  stand  our  winter  in  open  ground  ;  it  therefore  requires 
to  be  taken  up  and  potted  in  autumn,  and  protected  in  the 
house  or  frame.  It  thrives  and  flowers  abundantly  most  of  the 
season,  if  planted  out  in  the  spring.  It  may  be  raised  from 
seeds  or  cuttings. 

L.Jloscuculi.  —  Ragged  Robin.  —  This  is  an  old  inhabitant 
of  the  flower-garden,  a  native  of  Britain.  The  double  variety 
is  deservedly  esteemed,  is  very  ornamental,  easy  to  cultivate, 
and  flourishes  in  any  common  garden  soil.  It  is  propagated 
by  divisions  of  the  root.     Flowers  fine  deep  pink. 

L.  viscaria,  with  pink ;  L.  diurna,  with  purple ;  and  L. 
vespertina,  with  white  flowers,  all  natives  of  Britain,  are  hand- 
some border  flowers  in  their  double  varieties. 

L.  viscaria  plena  is  a  fine  border  flower,  and  very  hardy ;  one 
foot  high  in  June. 


LYSAMACHIA. 

Loose  Strife. 

Most  of  the  species  are  bog  plants,  of  the  easiest  culture. 
L.  mummvlaria,  —  Moneywort,  —  is  an  ornamental,  creep- 


136  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

ing  perennial,  with  yellow  flowers  all  the  season,  suitable  for 
rock-work,  or  hanging  from  a  pot  in  a  northern  exposure ;  a 
number  of  the  indigenous  species  are  worth  cultivating. 


LYTHRUM. 

Willow  Herb. 

In/thrum,  from  the  Greek,  black  blood ;  in  allusion  to  the 
color  of  the  flowers. 

L.  salicaria  is  a  native  British  perennial,  and  is  considered  a 
handsome  border  flower ;  three  or  four  feet  high,  with  purple 
flowers  in  July  and  August;  leaves  opposite,  cordate,  lanceo- 
late ;  flowers  in  spikes. 


M  A  L  V  A . 

Mallows. 

Some  of  the  species  are  showy  plants.  All  the  species 
are  of  the  easiest  cultivation. 

M.  alce.a.  —  A  pretty,  hardy  perennial,  from  Germany,  with 
purple  flowers  from  July  to  October ;  three  feet  high ;  easily 
propagated  by  seed  or  divisions  of  the  roots. 

Varieties  of  the  same,  with  pink  and  white  flowers ;  lower 
leaves  angular;  upper,  five-parted,  cut;  stems  and  calyxes 
velvety. 


MONARDA. 

Tall  Balm. 

Monarda,  in  honor  of  Nicholas  Monardez,  a  physician 
of  Seville  in  the  16th  century.  Most  of  the  species  are  aro- 
matic, and  resemble  mint  in  their  habits  and  mode  of  cul- 
ture. 


CENOTHEKA — ORCHIS.  137 

M.  didyma.  —  Oswego  Tea.  —  A  perennial,  native  of  North 
America,  as  are  all  the  species;  an  ornamental  plant,  three 
feet  high,  with  very  brilliant  scarlet  flowers  from  June  to  Au- 
gust. 

The  leaves  are  sometimes  used  as  a  substitute  for  tea,  and 
known  by  the  name  of  crimson  balm,  or  bergamot. 

M.  fistula  has  light  purple  flowers,  not  so  handsome  as  the 
last.  There  are  also  other  species  which,  in  a  large  collec- 
tion, would  be  interesting. 


(EN  JTHERA. 

Evenh  g  Primrose. 

A  number  of  the  family  are  hardy  perennial  border  plants. 
The  flowers  of  most  of  the  species  expand  in  the  evening. 

O.  macrocarpa.  —  This  showy  species  has  large,  fleshy 
roots,  which  throw  out  decumbent  stems,  producing  in  succes- 
sion, through  the  summer,  numerous  large  yellow  flowers,  four 
or  five  inches  in  diameter, 

O.  speciosa  has  creeping  roots,  with  stems  one  and  a  half 
foot  high,  with  large  white  flowers,  from  June  to  September. 

O.fruticosa  has  rather  shrubby  stems  two  feet  high,  with 
dark  yellow  flowers  in  July  and  August. 

O.  fraseri  is  one  and  a  half  foot  high,  with  yellow  flowers, 
from  June  to  October. 

O.  taraxkiflora  is  a  magnificent  perennial,  not  very  common, 
with  large  white  flowers.  All  the  species  succeed  well  in  any 
common  garden  soil,  and  easily  propagated  from  divisions  of 
the  root,  and  from  seed  when  it  can  be  obtained. 


ORCHIS. 

This   is  a  beautiful  and  very  curious   genus  of  plants,  of 
which  we  have  a  number  of  native  species,  growing  mostly  in 
swampy  places.     They  will   not  succeed  well    in  the  garden, 
12* 


138  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

unless  they  can  have  a  moist,  shady  place,  with  a  soil  similar 
to  that  from  which  they  were  taken.  The  flowers  are  produced 
on  leafless  stems  in  spikes,  from  one  to  two  feet  high,  in  July 
and  August.  Some  have  pink,  and  others  white,  finely- 
fringed  flowers. 


OROBUS, 

Bitter  Vetch. 

Orobus  niger  is  a  hardy  perennia  I,  with  which  we  have  been 
acquainted  for  a  number  of  years,  and  can  recommend  it  as 
being  pretty,  with  very  dark  purpk;  flowers,  which  are  produced 
in  June  and  July ;  two  or  three  feet  high ;  stem  branched ; 
leaves  in  six  pairs,  ovate  oblong ;  racemes  one-sided,  many- 
flowered. 

O.  atropurpureus.  —  The  flowers  are  a  fine  purple,  in  a 
dense,  one-sided,  many-flowered  raceme.  In  the  gardens  it  is 
a  hardy  perennial,  flowering  in  May. 

O.  luteus  is  considered  by  some  as  the  handsomest  of  the 
papilionaceous  tribe. 


PAPAVER. 

Poppy. 

Papaver  orientalis.  —  Oriental  Poppy.  —  This  is  a  most  mag- 
nificent perennial,  worth  all  the  rest  of  the  Poppy  tribe.  Its 
large,  gorgeous,  orange  scarlet  flowers,  display  themselves  in 
the  month  of  June.  The  bottoms  of  the  petals  are  black  ;  the 
stigma  is  surrounded  by  a  multitude  of  rich  purple  stamens, 
the  anthers  of  which  shed  a  profusion  of  pollen,  which  pow- 
ders over  the  stigma  and  the  internal  part  of  the  flower,  giving 
it  a  very  rich  appearance. 

The  flower-stems  are  rough,  three  feet  high,  each  one  bearing 
a  single  solitary  flower,  five  or  six  inches  in  diameter.  A  clump, 
with  twenty  or  thirty  of  these  flowers,  makes  one  of  the  most 


PENTSTEMON.  139 

conspicuous  and  showy  ornaments  of  the  garden.  Leaves  are 
scabrous,  (rough,)  pinnate,  serrate.  Propagated  by  dividing  the 
roots,  which  should  be  done  as  soon  as  the  foliage  has  died 
down  in  August,  as  it  commences  growing  again  in  September, 
and  throws  up  leaves  which  remain  during  winter,  it  being  one 
of  the  most  hardy  plants.  If  deferred  until  spring,  if  it  flowers 
at  all,  it  will  be  weak.  It  may  also  be  propagated  from  seed, 
but  does  not  commonly  flower  until  the  third  year.  A  native 
of  Levant. 

Papaver  bracteatum,  —  Bracted  Poppy,  —  is  another  superb 
perennial,  very  much  like  the  last,  a  native  of  Siberia.  The 
flowers  are  a  deeper  red,  and  the  only  essential  difference  is  in 
the  leafy  bractes  by  which  the  flowers  are  subtended.  Propa- 
gated in  the  same  way ;   with  us,  it  has  not  flowered  so  freely. 

^'Papaver  camhricum  is  admired  for  its  yellow  petals."  It 
is  now  called  Meconopsis  cambrica ;  not  common  with  us. 
There  are  also  a  number  of  other  species  and  varieties  of  peren- 
nial poppy,  as  P.  nudicaule,  with  two  or  three  varieties  with 
yellow,  and  one  with  scarlet  flowers,  from  Siberia,  one  foot 
to  one  and  a  half  high.  P.  pyranaicum,  from  the  Pyrenees, 
with  yellow  flowers,  and  a  variety  with  red,  one  foot  high. 
P.  alpimcm,  from  Austria,  has  white  flowers  three  quarters  of 
a  foot  high. 


PENTSTEMON. 

The  genus  Pentstemon  embraces  a  family  of  beautiful  plants, 
worthy  the  attention  of  the  amateur.  Most  of  the  species  are 
hardy,  while  others  require  the  protection  of  the  frame  during 
the  winter.  The  genus  is  peculiarly  American,  abounding  in 
the  west  and  south-west  of  our  vast  country,  and  Mexico.  The 
flowers  of  all  the  species  are  bell-shaped,  more  or  less  open. 
The  colors  are  scarlet,  purple,  blue,  &c. 

The  following  species  have  flowered  in  our  collection  :  — 


140  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

p.  pulescens  produces  purplish  blue  flowers  in  June  ;  one 
and  a  half  foot  high  ;  leaves  downy. 

P.  IcEvigatum  is  very  similar,  excepting  it  has  smooth  leaves 
and  paler  flowers  ;  two  feet  high. 

P.  pulchella  has  large,  bell-shaped,  pale-purple  flowers  in 
autumn  ;  one  foot  high. 

P.  atropurjmrea  has  dark  ruby-purple  flowers  from  July  to 
October  ;  one  and  a  half  foot  high. 

P.  ccBruleum  is  one  of  the  finest  of  the  genus,  with  beauti- 
ful blue  flowers  in  August  and  September  ;  one  and  a  half  foot 
high. 

P.  coccinnea  is  similar  to  P.  atropurpurea,  excepting  the 
flowers  are  scarlet. 

All  the  species  may  be  propagated  by  dividing  the  roots,  if 
done  with  care  ;  or  by  cuttings,  the  most  certain  method  ;  or 
by  layers.  They  may  also  be  raised  from  seed,  which  should 
be  sown  in  May,  in  the  open  ground,  in  a  moist,  shady  place. 
There  are  numerous  varieties  and  species,  besides  those  here 
named. 


PHLOX. 

"  Your  voiceless  lips,  O  flowers,  are  living  preachers,  — 
Each  cup  a  pulpit,  and  each  leaf  a  book. 
Supplying  to  my  fancy  numerous  teachers, 
From  lowliest  nook  !  " 

It  has  been  truly  said  that  a  collection  of  Phloxes,  when 
properly  attended  to,  would  of  themselves  constitute  a  beautiful 
flower-garden.  So  numerous  are  the  species,  and  so  infinite  the 
varieties,  that  a  continual  bloom  may  be  kept  up,  with  a  good 
selection,  from  May  to  October.  The  genus  is  exclusively 
North  American,  and,  in  the  South  and  West,  is  one  of  the 
most  conspicuous  ornaments  of  the  prairies  and  woods. 

The  late-flowering  sorts  are  much  to  be  prized  on  account  of 
their  lively  colors  of  purple,  red  and  white,  and  form  a  fine  con- 
trast with  the  other  autumnal  flowers,  which  are  mostly  yellow. 


PHLOX,  141 

The  vernal  ones,  too,  are  acceptable,  though  humble  in  growth, 
and  delight  the  eye  with  their  brilliancy  and  loveliness.  The 
summer  varieties  emTjrace  some  of  the  most  beautiful  sorts ; 
they  being  intermediate  in  height,  more  delicate  in  foliage,  and 
include  most  of  the  fine  new  eyed,  striped  or  shaded  varieties. 
They  flower  the  second  time  if  cut  down  immediately  after 
flowering,  in  July. 

While  many  herbaceous  plants  require  protection  in  winter, 
none  of  those  I  am  about  to  describe  need  it,  with  the  exception 
of  the  dwarf  species,  which  are  evergreen ;  the  flower-buds  are 
formed  in  autumn,  and  should  be  slightly  protected,  or  rather 
shaded.  It  is  not  so  much  the  cold  as  the  powerful  March  sun 
which  does  the  damage  ;  all  that  is  necessary,  in  most  cases,  of 
protection,  is  to  prevent  the  action  of  the  sun  upon  the  plant 
when  in  a  frozen  state.  Most  of  the  species  delight  in  a  moist, 
rich  soil,  but  succeed  tolerably  well  in  almost  any  situation, 
provided  that  it  is  not  very  light  and  dry.  No  plant  is  more 
easily  propagated.  It  is  done  generally  by  dividing  the  roots 
immediately  after  the  bloom  is  over,  for  the  early-flowering 
sorts,  and  in  the  spring  for  the  late  ones.  They  may  also  be 
raised  easily  from  cuttings,  and  from  seed. 

CLASS    I. EARLY   VARIETIES FLOWERING    IN    MAY. 

Phlox  subvlata.  —  Moss  Pink.  —  The  leaf  is  subulate  or  awl- 
shaped  ;  that  is,  narrow  at  the  base,  and  becoming  more  or  less 
curved  to  one  side  at  the  point.  This  pretty  species  displays 
its  showy  pink  flowers  the  last  of  April,  and  in  such  profusion 
as  to  conceal  its  yellowish-green  foliage,  and  continues  in  bloom 
for  nearly  a  month,  and  is  companion  with  the  two  following, 
and,  like  them,  from  four  to  six  inches  high.  It  is  known  by 
the  common  name  of  Moss  Pink.  It  can  be  so  rapidly  increased 
that  it  may  be  used  to  advantage  for  edgings,  but  requires  some 
care  to  keep  it  in  order. 

There  are  many  improved  varieties  of  this  species,  viz., 
white,  purple,  large  pink,  lilac  with  a  red  eye,  &c. 


142  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

Thlox  stolonifera.  —  Creeping.  —  The  plant  puts  forth  suck- 
ers or  shoots  near  the  surface  of  the  earth,  which  take  root, 
something  after  the  manner  of  the  strawberry.  Leaves  ovate, 
(egg-shaped,)  brownish-green  ;  stem  erect,  bearing  a  few  large 
deep-red  flowers,  which  begin  to  expand  a  few  days  later  than 
the  preceding.  A  very  lovely  species  and  worthy  of  cultiva- 
tion. 

Phlox  nivalis.  —  Snow-white.  —  The  flowers  are  brilliant 
snowy  white,  marked  with  orange  in  the  centre,  on  the  end  of 
the  branches,  in  bunches  from  three  to  five,  and  make  their 
appearance  from  the  tenth  to  the  middle  of  May,  and  continue 
until  the  first  of  June.  If  the  autumn  is  mild,  it  will  produce 
a  second  crop,  but  not  in  such  profusion.  Leaves  setaceous, 
(bristly,)  shining  deep-green.  This  is  the  most  tender,  and  is 
generally  more  or  less  injured  without  a  little  protection,  and  it 
is  undoubtedly  one  of  the  most  elegant  of  the  family  :  not 
common ;  now  lost  from  my  collection. 

Phlox  divaricata.  —  Branches  divaricate  ;  that  is,  spread  out 
so  far  from  the  stem,  as  to  form  more  than  a  right  angle  with 
it  above.  This  beautiful  species  flowers  the  last  of  May,  very 
large,  pale-blue,  on  lax  decumbent  stems,  one  foot  high.  Leaves 
ovate  lanceolate,  (egg-shaped  at  the  base,  tapering  off"  at  the 
point  like  the  ancient  lance.)  This  may  be  considered  one  of 
the  finesr,  but  has  not  been  so  extensively  disseminated  as  some 
of  the  tribe. 

There  is  a  white,  and  other  varieties  of  this  Phlox. 

CLASS    II. FLOWERING    IN    JUNE    AND   JULY. 

In  describing  this  numerous  and  very  ornamental  branch  of 
the  family,  it  will  be  necessary  to  cut  loose  from  all  botanical 
distinctions,  for  the  species  have  undergone  such  a  transforma- 
tion by  hybridizing,  that  it  will  puzzle  a  botanist  to  trace  their 
parentage. 

The  two  following  are  no  doubt  the  parents,  on  one  side,  of 
many  of  the  improved  sorts,  as  the  habits  and  style,  in  many 
respects,  correspond. 


PHLOX.  143 

Phlox  maculata.  —  The  stem  is  dotted  with  dark  spots,  from 
which  circumstance  it  receives  its  generic  name,  maculata, 
(spotted.)  It  is  one  of  the  most  common  sorts,  and  found  orna- 
menting almost  every  garden ;  frequently  known  under  the 
name  of  Flora's  bouquet.  The  flowers  are  so  pretty,  one  might 
readily  imagine  the  fair  goddess  would  not  be  indifferent  to  their 
charms.  It  begins  to  show  its  purplish-red  flowers  the  last  of 
May,  which  are  crowded  on  an  oblong  spike,  and  continues 
long  in  bloom  ;  if  cut  down  immediately  after  flowering,  a 
second  display  may  be  expected  in  August  or  September. 
Stems  rough  ;  two  feet  high. 

Phlox  suaveolens.  —  Sweet-scented.  —  It  has  white,  sweet- 
scented  flowers,  arranged  in  the  same  manner  as  the  last ;  stem 
without  spots.  Leaves  ovate  lanceolate,  quite  smooth.  The 
height  and  time  of  flowering  the  same  as  P.  maculata,  and  by 
some  considered  as  only  a  variety  of  it.  It  is  one  of  the  most 
delicate  of  the  species,  and,  when  grown  with  the  last  described, 
makes  a  fine  appearance. 

Some  of  the  florist's  varieties  partake  of  the  character  of  the 
two  following :  — 

Phlox  carnea. — Flesh-colored. — This  delicate  species  com- 
mences flowering  the  middle  of  June.  After  its  first  display  it 
continues  to  flower  sparingly  through  the  summer  and  autumn. 
Leaves  ciliated,  (eyelash-haired,)  lowest  setaceous,  upper  one 
linear  lanceolate,  (narrow  lace-shape.)  Branches  from  three  to 
five-flowered. 

Phlox  Listonia.  —  In  honor  of  Lady  Liston. —  A  beautiful 
species,  with  fine  red  flowers,  in  June  ;  a  foot  and  a  half  high. 
Foliage  broader  than  in  most  species ;  radical  leaves  rhom- 
boidal ;  upper  ones  ovate  lanceolate. 

Some  of  the  most  improved  early  summer  varieties  are  the 
following  :  — 

Phlox  Van  Houtteii  is  a  superb  variety,  with  a  fine  round 
corolla,  each  segment  being  regularly  and  distinctly  striped 
with  purplish-red,  on  white  ground.  Height,  one  and  a  half 
foot.     In  flower  the  last  of  June. 


144  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

P.  picta.  —  White  with  red  eye.  One  and  a  half  foot  high, 
■ — last  of  June  and  July. 

Fhlox  cbU  de  lynx,  —  Lynx-eyed,  —  is  a  beautiful  dwarf  vari- 
ety, one  foot  high,  with  white  flowers  and  large  deep-red  eye  ; 
rather  delicate  in  its  habits. 

Phlox  Egyptienne. —  This  has  light  lilac  flowers  shaded  with 
purple,  about  one  and  a  half  foot  high,  in  June  and  July. 

Phlox  fleur-de-Marie.  —  Has  fine  white  flowers,  with  a  dark- 
red  eye ;  very  showy. 

Phlox  almerine.  —  Flowers  blush,  with  a  small  red  eye. 

Phlox  keermisina  alba.  —  Flowers  white,  with  purple  eye, 
arranged  in  loose  pyramidal  panicles  of  great  beauty ;  in  July 
—  two  feet  high. 

Phlox  meechantea  speciosa.  —  Corolla  white,  beautifully  tinted 
with  rose.     Three  feet  high  in  July. 

CLASS    III. FLOWERING   THE    LAST    OF    JULY,    AUGUST   AND   SEP- 
TEMBER. 

Most  of  the  Phloxes  under  this  head  are  tall-growing  sorts, 
from  three  to  four  feet  high,  with  their  flowers  in  graceful  py- 
ramidal corymbs. 

Phlox  pyramidalis  alba,  and  purpurea,  P.  acumiTrnta,  P. 
paniculata,  and  other  old  sorts,  now  discarded,  were  proba- 
bly the  parents  of  the  new  varieties  in  this  class,  of  which, 
Phlox  Brechii,  raised  by  the  writer,  is  considered  one  of  the 
very  best  late-flowering  sorts  cultivated.  The  flowers  are  pro- 
duced in  August  and  September,  on  stems  four  to  six  feet 
high,  on  long  pyramidal  dense  spikes.  The  corolla  circular, 
light-purple,  with  a  white  eye.  The  foliage,  graceful,  lance- 
olate acuminate  spatulate ;  the  upper  leaves  very  much  undu- 
lated. 

Phlox  Charles.  —  A  new  white  variety,  with  pink  eye ;  flow- 
ers in  pyramidal  corymbs ;  one  and  a  half  to  two  feet  high  in 
July  and  August. 

Phlox  Wilderii.  —  A  fine  seedling,  with  deep-red  flowers, 


PliLOX.  146 

raised,  by  the  writer ;  corolla  round  and  perfect ;  stem  branched ; 
three  feet  high  in  August. 

Phlox  Blary  Ami.  —  A  superb  new  variety,  with  striped 
flowers  ;  corolla  five-shape ;  the  centre  part  of  each  segment  is 
of  a  clear  pale-purple,  while  the  margins  are  pure  white ;  in 
dense  flattish  corymbs ;  in  July  and  August ;  one  and  a  half 
foot  high. 

Phlox  panicvlata  alba.  —  A  fine  variety,  with  pure  white 
flowers,  arranged  in  pyramidal  panicles ;  three  feet  high  in 
August. 

Phlox  nymphea  alba.  —  A  fine  variety,  with  white  flowers, 
tinted  with  purple ;  tube  of  the  corolla  purple  ;  flowers  ar- 
ranged in  dense  spherical  corymbs  :  three  feet  high ;  in  July 
and  August. 

Phlox  cordata  grandijiora.  —  Corolla  large,  fine  round 
shape,  purplish-pink,  with  white  centre,  in  large  flattish,  dense, 
terminal  panicles ;  four  to  five  feet  high ;  in  August. 

Phlox  decussata  alba.  —  A  fine  white  variety,  with  perfect 
flowers  in  regular  compact  pyramidal  corymbs  ;  three  feet  high  ; 
in  August. 

PJdox  Lawrencii  is  a  variety  with  white  flowers ;  a  seedling 
raised  by  W.  E.  Carter,  late  of  the  Botanic  Garden,  Cam- 
bridge ;  three  to  four  feet  high  ;  in  August. 

^r.  Carter  has  raised  a  number  of  fine  seedlings,  flowering 
in  August,  viz. :  —  Phlox  Frelinghuysen,  with  variegated  flow- 
ers ;  and  Phlox  Henry  Clay,  with  white  flowers,  finely  penciled 
with  purple  ;  each  about  two  to  three  feet  high. 

Phlox  rosea  svjperba  is  a  variety  with  brilliant  rose-colored 
flowers. 

Phlox  undulata.  —  The  margin  of  the  leaves  slightly  undu- 
lated ;  lance  oblong ;  stem  erect,  smooth,  three  feet  high ;  the 
latest  species  flowers  in  September,  and  retains  its  beauty 
long  after  the  commencement  of  frosts,  and  lingers  to  the  con- 
fines of  winter;  red;  many  of  the  flowers  turn  white,  which 
gives  its  panicled  corymbs  or  heads  a  variegated  appearance. 
13 


146  breck's  book  of  floweks. 

To  these  might  be  added  numerous  other  fine  varieties,  as 
they  are  without  number. 

RAISING   PHLOXES   FROM    SEED. 

Some  fine  seedlings  have  appeared  in  my  own  garden  within 
the  two  last  years,  which  have  attracted  considerable  attention 
at  the  Horticultural  Rooms,  on  account  of  the  largeness  and 
perfection  of  the  flowers,  the  density  of  the  spikes  or  cor^^mbs, 
and  the  colors.  The  last  season,  the  first  premium  for  the  best 
ten  varieties  was  awarded  to  the  writer ;  six  of  these  were  his 
own  seedlings,  which  competed  with  a  number  of  stands,  most- 
ly of  foreign  origin,  and  that,  too,  of  improved  sorts. 

Out  of  a  large  number,  I  have  selected  and  numbered  twenty 
varieties,  which  I  thought  worthy  of  perpetuating,  for  their  su- 
periority for  breeders.  It  is  a  fact,  that  seedlings  are  sure  to 
produce  an  abundance  of  seeds,  while  those  varieties  that  have 
long  been  propagated  by  cuttings  or  divisions  of  the  root,  soon 
lose  that  power.  It  has  proved,  in  my  experience,  that  there 
is  an  improvement  in  every  generation  of  well  selected  seed- 
lings. I  have  been  accustomed  to  collect  all  the  seedling 
phloxes  raised  by  my  floral  friends,  and  plant  them  in  beds  by 
themselves  :  thus,  I  had  three  or  four  from  my  friend,  S.  Walk- 
er, Esq.,  President  of  the  Horticultural  Society,  some  of  Mr. 
Richardson,  of  Dorchester,  others  from  my  old  acquaintance, 
W.  E.  Carter,  late  of  the  Botanic  Garden,  and  a  large  number 
of  my  own.  From  these  the  seed  was  scattered  promiscuous- 
ly, and  the  young  plants  were  taken  up  and  planted  by  them- 
selves, and  from  a  great  number  of  young  seedlings  my  selec- 
tions were  made.  Among  these  are  some  white,  some  fine  red, 
two  or  three  variegated  ;  one  mottled,  with  a  red  eye; ;  and  an- 
other distinctly  and  regularly  striped  with  a  pale-purple  on 
Avhite  ground.  Their  parents  being  of  the  later  sorts,  these, 
also,  correspond  in  the  time  of  flowering  with  them,  being  in 
perfection  about  the  first  of  August.  I  am  looking  for  great 
improvements  in  the  next  brood  of  seedlings  from  these  new 
sorts,  and  think  I  shall  not  be  disappointed. 


POLEMONIUM POTENTILLA.  147 

POLEMONIUM. 

Jacob's  Ladder. 

Pohmoyiium  cmrulexnn.  —  Blue-flowered. — This  is  one  of  the 
old  standard  border  flowers,  and  is  known  by  the  common  name 
of  Jacob's  Ladder,  from  its  beautiful  pinnately-cleft  leaves, 
(leaflets  arranged  on  each  side  of  a  common  petiole  or  leaf- 
stem  ;)  its  lively  blue  flowers,  nodding,  on  the  ends  of  the 
branches.  There  is  another  variety  with  white  flowers.  Each 
variety  is  worthy  of  a  place  in  the  flower  department,  being  per- 
fectly hardy  and  of  the  most  easy  cultivation  ;  flowers  in  June  : 
two  feet  high. 

POTENTILLA. 

Potentilla,  in  allusion  to  its  supposed  potential  virtue  in 
medicine. 

This  is  a  numerous  genus,  consisting  of  strawberry -like  look- 
ing plants,  with  mostly  yellow  flowers. 

Potentilla  atrosanguinea.  —  Dark  blood-colored  Potentilla. 
—  This  is  one  of  the  finest  species,  with  beautiful  foliage,  and 
blood-colored  flowers,  from  Nepal,  one  and  a  half  foot  high ; 
in  flower  from  May  to  September.  Propagated  from  divisions 
of  the  root,  and  from  seed. 

Pontentilla  formosa.  —  Synon.  Napalensis.  —  This  is  an- 
other beautiful  species  from  Nepal,  with  fine  rose-colored  flow- 
ers, which  are  produced  the  greater  part  of  the  season. 

Pontentilla  splendens  has  yellow  flowers,  of  not  much  beauty, 
but  the  leaves  are  elegant,  being  silvered  over  with  a  silky 
down,  and  interruptedly  pinnate.  Flowers  dichotomous,  in 
corymbs  ;  from  Nepal. 

Pontentilla  grandiflora  has  fine  large  yellow  flowers  —  a 
native  of  Siberia. 

Pontentilla  rtisselliana  is  a  splendid  hybrid  with  scarlet 
flowers. 


148  brf.ck's  book  of  floavers. 

p.  Hopiooodiana,  with  rose  and  scarlet«flowers,  is  also  beau- 
tiful. Most  of  the  species,  which  are  numerous,  are  pretty,  but 
those  named  are  the  finest ;  all  stand  the  winter  well ;  they 
succeed  best  in  light  soil. 


PRIMULA. 

Primrose. 

This  genus  consists  of  beautiful  dwarf  Alpine  plants,  of 
many  species,  which  sport  into  elegant  varieties,  under  the 
cultivation  of  the  florist.  They  are  valuable  on  account  of 
their  early  appearance  in  the  spring ;  some  of  them  succeeding 
the  Snowdrop,  others  keeping  company  with  the  vernal  Phloxes 
and  other  early  flowers. 

The  Primula  auricula  is  a  florist  flower  of  great  beauty,  but 
has  received  but  little  attention  in  this  country ;  probably  on 
account  of  the  severity  of  our  winter  and  spring  months,  or 
the  great  heat  of  summer,  which  is  more  destructive  to  the 
auricida  than  the  cold.  The  extremes  of  heat  and  cold  ren- 
der its  cultivation  difficult.  The  flower-stalk  springs  from 
radical  leaves,  six  or  eight  inches  high,  bearing  a  truss  of  from 
five  to  seven  flowers,  which  are  of  various  rich  colors,  accord- 
ing to  the  variety.  These  flowers  are  called  pips,  which 
should  be  round,  with  a  light-colored  eye;  the  groundcolor, 
when  very  dark  blue,  purple,  or  brown,  edged  with  green,  con- 
trast finely  with  the  eye,  and  are  considered  richer  than  those 
varieties  where  the  colors  are  lighter. 

Priviula  polyanthus.  —  This  is  more  hardy  than  the  auricida, 
and  succeeds  well  with  little  care,  provided  it  can  have  a  cool 
and  sheltered  spot,  a  rich  and  rather  moist  soil.  They  are 
in  flower  all  the  month  of  May,  and  some  of  the  varieties  by 
the  middle  of  April.  The  flowers  are  produced  on  stems, 
eight  to  twelve  inches  high,  in  trusses  of  eight  or  ten  flowers, 
or  pips,  and  are  of  various  rich  colors.  Brown,  with  yellow 
eye,  is  very  common,  with  a  delicate  edging  of  yellow ;  also 


PULMONARIA.  149 

various  combinations  of  crimson,  yellow,  sulphur,  and  dark- 
brown,  either  plain  or  shaded.  It  is  easily  propagated  by 
dividing  the  roots  after  blooming. 

Primula  veris,  —  Cowslip,  —  is  a  native  of  Great  Britain. 
The  flowers  are  produced  in  trusses,  but  are  not  so  elegant 
as  those  of  the  polyanthus,  but  look  pretty  in  the  border.  The 
flowers  generally  are  of  a  pale-yellow,  but  there  is  a  variety 
with  red  flowers ;  they  are  propagated  the  same  as  the  poly- 
anthus. There  are  many  other  pretty  species  and  varieties, 
some  with  double  flowers.  All  may  be  introduced  into  the 
garden,  in  cool,  shady  locations. 


PULMONARIA. 

L^mgivort. 

Pulmonaria  derives  its  name,  some  say,  from  the  speckled 
appearance  of  the  leaves,  resembling  diseased  lungs  ;  but  others 
think  that  its  name  has  arisen  from  the  plant  having  been  used 
with  success  in  pulmonary  complaints  ;  whence,  also,  perhaps, 
the  English  name.  Lungwort. 

Pulmonaria  Virginica,  —  or  Virginian  Lungwort,  —  occurs 
pretty  commonly  in  the  shady  woods  of  Pennsylvania,  and 
most  other  of  the  southern  and  western  States.  Its  flowers, 
which  appear  in  May,  look  like  so  many  small,  bright-blue, 
pendulous  funnels,  internally  open  at  the  orifice,  after  the  man- 
ner of  the  genus,  each  springing  out  of  a  prismatic,  pen- 
tagonal, five-toothed  calyx. 

After  flowering,  the  plant  to  appearance  dies,  as  it  is  not 
seen  until  the  following  spring;  propagated  by  divisions  of  the 
root.  This  is  one  of  the  most  elegant  ornaments  of  the  flower- 
garden  in  May. 

P.  officinalis,  —  Medicinal  Lungwort,  —  is  a  pretty  dwarf 
species,  in  bloom  from  April  to  June,  with  clusters  of  red  and 
bluish-purple  flowers,  with  spotted  leaves  ;  six  inches  high. 

P.  Sibirica  and  maritima  are  elegant  perennials,  greatly 
13* 


150  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

resembling  each  other,  and  considered  by  some,  as  most  proba- 
bly, only  varieties.  They  are  among  the  most  elegant  orna- 
ments of  the  flower-garden,  in  dry  springs ;  but  they  require 
some  care  in  keeping,  unless  in  a  soil  almost  entirely  of  sand. 


PYRETHRUM. 

Feverfew. 

Pyrethrum  parthenium  plena,  —  or  Double  Feverfew,  —  is 
an  ornamental  plant,  with  pure  white  flowers,  from  June  to  Sep- 
tember ;  two  feet  high.  It  is  frequently  kept  in  green-houses, 
but  stands  out  all  winter  with  a  little  protection.  It  is  raised 
from  cuttings,  or  by  dividing  the  roots.  When  raised  from 
seed,  most  of  the  plants  will  be  worthless,  not  much  better 
than  weeds,  as  there  is  no  beauty  in  the  single  flowers. 


RANUNCULUS. 

Buttercup. 

There  are  a  number  of  varieties  of  Buttercups,  which  are 
found  double,  and  are  frequently  introduced  into  the  flower- 
garden. 

Ranunculus  repens  flore  plena  is  a  double  variety;  the  roots 
are  creeping,  and  therefore  the  plant  is  rather  troublesome. 
The  flowers  are  pretty  ;  a  glossy  yellow ;  in  bloom  a  number 
of  months. 

JR.  acris  jiore  plena  is  a  species  and  variety,  with  upright 
stems ;  two  feet  high,  with  bright-yellow  double  flowers,  in 
June  and  July. 

i2.  aconitifolius  Jlore  plena. — This  beautiful  plant  has  fine 
double  white  flowers,  in  June ;  one  foot  high  ;  for  some  reason 
it  is  not  much  cultivated  in  this  country.  It  goes  by  the  name 
of  "  Fair  Maids  of  France." 


RUDBECKIA SABBATIA SARRACENIA.  151 

RUDBECKIA. 

This  is  a  genus  of  North  American  plants,  some  of  them 
valuable  for  the  border ;  all  are  hardy,  and  easily  propagated 
by  dividing  the  roots. 

Rudbeckia  fidgida  has  large,  brilliant  yellow  flowers,  with 
a  dark  centre,  or  disk ;  about  two  feet  high ;  continuing  in 
bloom  all  the  months  of  July  and  August. 

R.  purpurea.  —  Purple  Rudbeckia.  —  This  plant  grows  from 
three  to  four  feet  high.  The  disk  of  the  flower  is  very  rich, 
appearing,  in  the  sun,  of  a  golden  crimson ;  the  rays  are  purple, 
and,  in  some  of  the  varieties,  quite  long. 

R.  nudijlora.  —  This  is  a  beautiful  species;  it  grows  three 
feet  high ;  the  stems  branched,  producing  a  long  succession  of 
flowers,  with  long,  conical,  dark  disks,  and  very  long,  wavy 
rays,  of  a  pure,  clear  yellow. 

There   are  many  other  species,  but  mostly  coarse-growing 

plants. 

— • — 

SABBATIA. 

This  is  a  pretty  genus  of  North  American  plants,  not  much 
cultivated,  but,  if  properly  managed,  would  no  doubt  prove  a 
great  acquisition. 

Sabbatia  chloiroides  is  found  growing  in  Plymouth  county,  on 
the  margin  of  ponds  ;  it  has  large,  shovvy  pink  flowers,  in  July. 
There  is  also  a  variety  with  white  flowers ;  it  is  a  biennial, 
and  must  therefore  be  propagated  from  the  seed,  which  should 
be  sown  in  moist  ground,  as  soon  as  ripe,  or  early  in  the 
spring. 

SARRACENIA. 

Side-Saddle  Flower. 

This  very  curious  plant  is  found  growing  in  our  wet,  boggy 
meadows  and  swamps.     It  will  succeed  in  any  wet  corner  of  the 


152  BRECK's    BOOK-  OF    FLOWERS. 

garden,  (if  there  is  any  such,)  and  it  is  well  worthy  a  place,  on 
account  of  the  singularity  of  the  leaves,  which  are  tubular  and 
hold  water.  The  stigma  of  the  flower  resembles  a  woman's 
pillion  of  olden  time ;  hence  the  common  name. 


SANGUINARIA. 
Bloodrooi. 

From  sanguis,  blood.  All  the  parts,  on  being  wounded 
discharge  a  blood-colored  fluid. 

Sanguinaria  canadensis.  —  This  is  a  singular  and  very  deli- 
cate looking,  indigenous  plant,  producing  shining  white  flowers, 
in  April.  It  has  a  tuberous,  fleshy  root,  and  easily  transferred 
to  the  garden,  where  it  shows  off  to  advantage  with  the  Crocus 
and  other  flowers. 


SAXIFRAGA. 
Saxifrage. 

An  elegant  and  extensive  genus  of  Alpine  plants,  which 
have  long  been  favorites  in  English  gardens ;  most  of  them 
are  dwarf  plants,  and  suitable  for  rock-work  ;  but  many  species 
are  difficult  to  cultivate.  There  is  a  native  species  in  flower 
in  May ;  in  great  abundance  about  rocks  and  barren  places, 
with  greenish-white  flowers ;  very  fragrant ;  six  or  eight  inches 
high. 

Saxifraga  crassifolia  has  broad,  thick  leaves,  rising  from  the 
crown  of  the  plant,  from  which  are  thrown  up  stems  one  foot 
high,  with  panicles  of  pink  flowers,  in  May  and  June. 


SEDUM SOLIDAGO SPIRjEA.  153 

SEDUM. 

stone  Crop. 

Sedum,  from  sedere.  —  These  plants,  growing  upon  the  bare 
rock,  look  as  if  sitting  upon  it.  The  species  are  low  succu- 
lent, some  of  them  pretty,  others  curious ;  but  none  of  them 
remarkable  in  any  way.  Some  look  pretty  on  rock-work,  and 
others  are  frequently  used  for  edgings  to  walks.  The  species 
are  very  numerous. 


SOLIDAGO 

Golden  Rod. 


This  is  an  extensive  family  of  native  plants,  some  of  them 
showy,  with  dense  ^spikes,  or  panicles  of  j'ellow  flowers,  in 
August  and  September.  A  few  of  them  look  pretty  in  the 
garden,  and  help  to  make  up  a  variety. 


SPIR^A. 

This  genus  affords  numerous  ornamental  shrubs  and  herba- 
ceous plants,  some  of  them  very  desirable.  Among  the  herba- 
ceous are  the  following,  which  are  all  very  hardy,  and  easily 
propagated  by  dividing  the  roots. 

Spircea  Jilipendida.  —  Dropwort.  —  A  very  elegant  species, 
with  tuberous  roots  like  the  Peony.  Flowers  white  ;  the  buds 
shaded  with  pink ;  in  corymbs ;  two  feet  high  ;  from  June  to 
August.     The  foliage  is  beautiful. 

>S.  Jilipendula  plena.  —  Double  Dropwort.  —  A  very  desirable 
plant,  with  clusters  of  fine  double  w^hite  flowers,  from  June  to 
October.  It  is  more  dwarfish  than  the  last ;  not  more  than  one 
foot  high.  The  time  to  divide  the  tubers  of  these  two  varieties 
is  in  August ;  they  will  then  flower  strong,  the  next  year. 


154  breck's  book  of  flowers, 

S."  ulmaria  pleno. —Donhle  Meadow  Sweet.  — This  is  a 
handsome  border  plant,  producing  proliferous  corymbs  of  double 
white  flowers,  on  erect  stems  two  feet  high,  in  June  and  July. 
A  variety  of  this  has  variegated  leaves. 

S.  Zotoff.  —Lobe-leaved  Spiraea.  —  A  beautiful  species, with 
deep  pink  or  red  flowers,  in  proliferous  corymbs,  in  June  and 
July  ;  stems  two  feet  high. 

S.  pahnata.  —  This  is  a  magnificent  species  from  the  west, 
growing  to  the  height  of  five  or  six  feet,  with  immense  clusters 
of  red  flowers,  in  July  ;  leaves  palmate ;  flowers  in  large  pro- 
liferous corymbs. 

S.  arimcus.  —  Goat's-beard.  —  Three  or  four  feet  high,  with 
white  panicled  spikes,  in  June  and  July ;  leaves  supra-decom- 
pound. 

S.  /a^o?izca.  —  Japan  Spirtea.  — A  species  more  delicate 
than  the  last ;  the  flowers  arranged  in  the  same  way ;  of  a 
purer  white  ;  two  feet  high,  in  July  and  ^ugust. 

These  are  some  of  the  principal  herbaceous  Spiraeas.  All 
succeed  best  in  a  strong,  moist  soil,  and  endure  the  hardest 
winter  without  protection.  For  many  beautiful  shrubby  spe- 
cies, see  Shrubs. 


S  T  A  T I C  E. 

Sea  Lavender. 


This  is  a  very  ornamental  genus.  The  species  are  not  com- 
mon, and  require  a  little  care  in  cultivation.  Statice  speciosa 
and  ^ar^anca  are  amomg  the  prettiest  of  hardy  plants. 


TRADESCANTIA. 

Spiderwort. 


All  the  species  are  of  the  easiest  culture,  but  not  many  of 
them  can  be  called  beautiful. 


TROLLIUS  —  VALERIANA.  155 

Tradescantia  Virginica  is  a  valuable  border  flower,  on  ac- 
count of  its  continued  succession  of  fine  blue  flowers,  which  it 
produces  every  morning  from  May  to  September.  It  has  long, 
grass-like  foliage ;  flowers  on  stems,  one  and  a  half  foot  high, 
in  clusters ;  umbel-like.  There  is  a  variety  with  white,  and 
another  with  double  reddish  purple  flowers. 


TROLLIUS. 
Globe  Flower. 

Trollius  is  derived  from  trol,  or  trollen,  an  old  German  word 
signifying  something  round,  in  allusion  to  the  globular  form  of 
the  flowers. 

T.  E^iropcmts  flowers  in  June  and  July.  It  has  large  lemon- 
yellow  globular  blossoms,  on  stems  two  feet  high. 

T.  Asiaticus  has  dark  orange  flowers ;  one  foot  high ;  in 
Jime  and  July. 

T.  Ameriais  is  a  dwarf  indigenous  species,  with  yellow 
flowers,  in  May ;  all  flourish  best  in  rich,  moist  soil.  The  two 
first  are  desirable  border  flowers. 


VALERIANA. 

Valerian. 

Valeriana  phu,  —  Garden  Valerian,  —  is  a  tall-growing 
plant,  three  or  four  feet  high,  producing  an  abundance  of 
small,  white,  fragrant  flowers,  in  May  and  June,  in  large 
corymbs  ;  desirable  on  account  of  its  pleasant  odor. 

V.  pyrenaicum, — Heart-leaved,  —  is  sometimes  seen  in  flower- 
gardens;  three  feet  high,  with  small  pink  flowers  in  corymbs, 
in  May  and  June.  The  species  are  all  ornamental  border 
plants,  of  easy  culture,  in  common  earth,  preferring  moist  and 
shady  places. 


156  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

VEUONICA. 
Speedwell. 

An  extensive  family,  most  of  the  species  being  ornamental 
plants,  the  taller  growing  sorts  suitable  for  the  borders,  and 
those  of  a  more  dwarfish  habit  for  the  rockery.  The  flowers 
are  produced  in  spire-like  spikes,  or  racemes,  and  are  generally 
blue  ;  but  some  few  species  are  white,  and  others  pink. 

V.  Virginicum  is  a  tall,  strong-growing  species,  four  or  five 
feet  high,  with  white  flowers  in  clustered  spikes  ;  in  July  and 
August ;  suitable  for  the  shrubbery. 

V.  Sibirica  has  blue  flowers,  in  spikes,  in  July  and  August ; 
two  feet  high. 

V.  speciosa  is  a  dwarf  species,  with  brilliant  blue  flowers,  in 
spikes  ;  'June  and  July. 

V.  azurea  is  two  or  three  feet  high,  with  fine  sky-blue 
flowers. 

F.  spicata  is  about  one  foot  high,  with  fine  blue  flowers. 

There  are  as  many  as  fifty  species,  all  easily  cultivated  in 
almost  any  soil ;  propagated  by  dividing  the  roots. 


VINCA. 

Periwinkle. 

Some  of  the  genus  are  hardy  evergreen  trailing  plants,  val- 
uable for  their  early  and  long-continued  flowering,  flourishing 
under  the  shade  and  drip  of  trees.  The  most  common  hardy 
species  are  Vinca  major  and  V.  minor,  with  a  number  of  varie- 
ties ;  flowers  generally  blue.  It  is  best  to  give  a  little  protec- 
tion in  winter. 


VIOLA.  157 

VIOLA. 

Violet. 

"  Violets,  sweet  tenants  of  the  shade, 
In  purple's  richest  pride  arrayed, 

Your  errand  here  fulfil ; 
Go  bid  the  artist's  simple  stain 
Your  lustre  imitate  in  vain, 

And  match  your  Maker's  skill." 

This  is  an  extensive  genus  of  plants,  of  dwarf  habits,  suita- 
ble for  the  border  or  rock-work.  There  are  many  indigenous 
species  which  flourish  w^ell  in  the  garden,  and  will  repay  the 
trouble  of  collecting  them  from  the  woods,  meadows,  and  pas- 
tures. 

Viola  odorata, —  or  the  Sweet-scented  Violet, —  should  not  be 
wanting  in  any  collection  of  plants,  on  account  of  its  fragrance 
and  early  appearance.  A  single  flower  will  perfume  a  large 
room.  The  flowers  appear  in  April,  and  continue  through 
May.  There  are  the  single  white  and  single  blue,  and  the 
double  blue  and  white  varieties ;  the  double  sorts  are  the  most 
desirable ;  they  succeed  best  in  a  shady,  sheltered  place,  and 
are  rapidly  multiplied  by  divisions  of  the  plant. 

Viola  tricolor.  —  Pansy ;  Lady's  Delight.  —  The  Heart's 
Ease,  or  Pansy,  is  a  general  favorite,  —  an  old  acquaintance 
with  every  one  who  has  had  anything  to  do  with  a  flower-gar- 
den. It  begins  to  open  its  modest  but  lively  flowers  as  soon  as 
the  snow  clears  off'  in  the  spring,  and  continues  to  enliven  the 
garden  till  the  snow  comes  again.  The  flowers  are  in  the 
greatest  perfection  in  May  and  June.  The  burning  sun  of 
summer  is  unfavorable  for  their  greatest  beauty ;  but  in  autumn 
they  are  fine  again.  The  Pansy  is  properly  a  biennial,  but  can 
be  perpetuated  by  cuttings  or  divisions  of  the  root. 

Viola  grandijlora  is  an  improvement  of  V.  tricolor,  or  on  a 
larger  scale,  gnd  this  has  now  become  a  florist's  flower.  The 
following  directions  for  its  cultivation  are  from  the  Gardener's 
Chronicle  :  — 

14 


158  bkkck's  book  op  floweks. 

"  I  know  of  no  plant  so  easy  to  cultivate,  and  at  the  same 
time  so  difficult  to  keep  from  year  to  year,  as  the  Pansy.  It 
may  be  raised  from  seeds  and  bloomed  in  a  few  months,  and 
an  endless  variety  of  color,  marking,  and  texture,  may  thus  be 
produced.  Choice  kinds,  either  selected  from  the  seed-beds  or 
procured  from  the  florists,  are  seldom  bloomed  more  than  once, 
unless  by  some  expert  amateur,  or  in  some  favorable  locality. 
In  winter,  the  Pansy  is  extremely  liable  to  damp  off,  although 
protected  in  frames  ;  and  we  all  know,  to  our  mortification,  the 
ill  effect  of  a  summer's  sun  on  it.  It  is  scarcely  possible  to 
point  to  another  tribe  of  plants  so  peculiarly  the  amateur's  as 
this,  or  one  that  puzzles  him  to  cultivate  more.  The  following 
hints  may  assist  him. 

"  Seeds  sown  in  August,  in  the  open  border,  will  come  up 
readily  in  a  few  weeks.  The  seeds  should  be  slightly  covered 
with  fine  soil,  if  covered  at  all,  as  half  the  seeds  sown  rot  in 
the  ground,  from  being  covered  too  deeply.  As  soon  as  they 
expand  the  second  set  of  leaves,  they  should  be  planted  out 
into  beds,  in  lines,  from  eight  to  ten  inches  asunder.  If  the 
seed  has  been  carefully  saved  from  good  kinds,  an  interesting 
display  will  be  the  result ;  and  the  raising  of  new  varieties  is 
a  labor  of  peculiar  interest.  As  spring  advances,  the  plants  so 
treated  will  commence  flowering.  The  next  point  will  be  to 
select  those  which  possess  good  qualities,  with  a  view  to  per- 
petuate them.  There  are  many  singular  and  pleasing  varie- 
ties that  do  not  come  within  the  arbitrary  rules  by  which  florist's 
flowers  are  judged,  which  nevertheless  are  worth  retaining  for 
common  border  decoration  ;  but  if  a  rigid  adherence  to  these 
rules  is  determined  upon,  then  the  flowers  must  be  as  nearly 
round  as  possible,  expanding  their  petals  flatly ;  crumpled 
petals,  with  ragged  edges,  are  points  that  will  justify  their 
being  cast  aside.  Round  flowers,  with  flat  petals,  must  also 
have  firmness  of  texture  to  recommend  them ;  a  flimsy  flower 
in  the  fancy,  although  possessing  other  properties,  is  univer- 
sally discarded.  The  eye  should  be  concentrated,  and  not 
starry  ;  the  colors  soft  and  clearly  defined.     These  instructions 


YUCCA.  159 

will  enable  the  amateur  to  select  the  right  kinds  from  his  seed- 
ling beds.  As  soon  as  he  has  determined  upon  those  worth 
retaining,  propagation  should  be  commenced,  and  this  is  a  sim- 
ple matter.  Cuttings  taken  off  at  the  second  and  third  joints 
will  root  readily,  placed  behind  a  hedge,  or  wall,  on  the  north 
side,  without  any  protection  whatever.  Insert  them  two  inches 
apart,  and  one  inch  deep,  in  soil  of  a  light  sandy  texture,  and 
they  will  root  in  a  few  weeks.  Take  care  that  all  damp  leaves 
are  removed  as  soon  as  they  appear. 

"  To  produce  a  bed  of  choice  Pansies,  select  a  north  aspect, 
with  a  cool  bottom.  Soil  of  medium  texture,  and  moderately 
enriched,  should  be  preferred  for  the  production  of  large  flowers. 
Keep  the  soil  frequently  stirred  around  them,  and  be  careful 
that  the  border  is  free  from  wireworm.  If  the  plants  are  put 
out  in  September,  they  will  be  established  before  winter ;  and  I 
have  frequently  found  that  plants  so  treated,  get  through  the 
winter  quite  as  well  as  those  coddled  in  frames.  As  their 
propagation  is  easy,  depend  exclusively  upon  young  plants  for 
the  following  season's  bloom.  Seeds  should  only  be  saved 
from  beds  of  selected  flowers  possessing  the  best  qualities  ;  for 
it  is  only  by  following  this  up,  that  improved  kinds  to  any 
extent  can  be  obtained;  and,  as  seed  is  readily  produced,  it  is 
not  worth  while  saving  that  from  doubtful  or  indifferent  sorts." 


YUCCA. 

Adam's  JVeedle. 

This  is  an  ornamental  genus  of  plants,  mostly  natives  ot  the 
southern  States  and  South  America.  Some  of  them  succeed 
well  in  the  open  ground  in  the  northern  States,  and  form  a 
pleasing  contrast  with  other  plants,  on  account  of  the  peculiar- 
ity of  their  foliage,  which  resembles  the  palm,  or  aloe.  The 
leaves  are  sharp-pointed,  stiff,  and  rigid ;  and,  in  some  of  the 
species,  the  edges  of  the  leaf  are  margined  with  long  threads. 

Yucca  Jili?}ientosa,  or  Adam's  Thread,  is  one  of  the  most 


160  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

hardy  sorts.  It  is  called  Thready  Yucca,  from  the  long  threads 
that  hang  from  the  leaves.  The  flower-stem  grows  to  the  height 
of  five  or  six  feet,  and  nearly  the  whole  of  it  is  covered  with 
large,  bell-shaped,  white  flowers,  sitting  close ;  all  the  species 
are  rather  shj?^  flowerers ;  in  August  and  September. 

Y.  gloriosa  and  superba  are  two  splendid  species,  producing 
an  immense  number  of  their  fine  bell-flowers  on  their  tall  stems. 
The  foliage  of  all  the  species  is  evergreen,  and  they  closely  re- 
semble each  other.  The  severity  of  our  winters  often  blackens 
the  foliage ;  to  prevent  this,  the  leaves  should  be  gathered  up 
and  tied  together,  and  covered  with  straw.  Propagated  from 
suckers. 


DESCRIPTIVE  LIST  OF  ANNUAL  FLOWERS,  WITH  DIRECTIONS 
FOR  THEIR  CULTIVATION. 


The  earth,  all  light  and  loveliness,  in  summer's  golden  hours, 
Smiles  in  her  bridal  vesture  clad,  and  crowned  with  festal  flowers, 
So  radiantl}'  beautiful,  so  like  to  heaven  above. 
We  scarce  can  deem  more  fair  that  world  of  perfect  bliss  and  love." 


AGERATUIM. 


Ageratum  Meztcanum.  —  Mexican  Ageratum.  —  A  half- 
hardy  annual,  with  light-blue  compound  flowers,  in  July  and 
August ;  about  one  and  a  half  foot  high  ;  very  pretty,  but  not 
remarkable  for  beauty. 


ADONIS. 


Adcmis  autumnalis  is  a  hardy  annual  ;  the  seeds  sown  in 
the  spring  will  flower  in  September.  If  sown  in  September, 
they  will  flower  the  June  following.  The  foliage  is  handsome  ; 
the  flowers  blood-red ;  one  to  two  feet  high. 


A  L  Y  S  S  U  M . 

Alyssum  maritimim.  —  Sweet  Alyssum.  —  This  is  a  desira- 
ble hardy  annual,  flowering  from  June  to  November ;  one  foot 
high  ;  flowers  white,  in  long  racemes,  which  continually  extend 
themselves  through  the  season,  producing  flowers  until  killed 
by  hard  frosts.  This  produces  a  fine  effect  when  planted  in 
masses.  The  plants  should  not  be  planted  nearer  than  one 
foot  from  each  other. 

14# 


162  ereck's  book  of  flowers. 


ARGEMONE. 

Argemone  grandiflora  is  the  most  showy  of  the  genus  ;  a 
native  of  Mexico.  Its  large  flowers,  with  delicate  white  petals 
and  numerous  yellow  stamens,  make  a  splendid  appearance, 
and  we  think  much  superior  to 

A.  ochroleuca,  with  pale-yellow  flowers.  The  leaves,  cap- 
sules, and  the  whole  plant,  are  armed  with  formidable  spines, 
and  having  once  had  the  hands  or  any  part  of  the  body  come 
in  contact  with  them,  the  plant  will  be  forever  after,  viewed 
with  feelings  far  from  those  of  pleasure. 

A.  bardayana  is  equal  to  it,  in  its  powers  of  annoyance,  but 
its  more  showy,  brilliant  yellow  flowers  make  amends,  in  some 
measure,  for  its  repulsive  appearance. 

The  roots  of  the  Argemone,  if  taken  up  and  kept  in  pots,  in 
a  frame  or  cellar,  will  flower  much  stronger  the  next  year  than 

seedlings. 

— • — 

ALONSOA. 

Beautiful  green-house  plants,  but  flower  finely  in  the  open 
ground  as  annuals. 

Alonsoa  indsifolia.  —  Nettle-leaved  Alonsoa.  —  The  flowers 
of  all  the  species  are  a  rich  scarlet,  which  are  produced  all  the 
season.  This  species  has  nettle-shaped  but  delicate  leaves; 
one  to  two  feet  high.  The  seed  may  be  sown  the  last  of 
May,  in  the  open  ground,  or  in  the  hot-bed,  in  April. 

A.  grandiflora  has  larger  flowers,  but  very  much  like  the 

last. 

— ♦ — 

AMARANTHUS. 

Amaranthis  tricolor . —T\\\^  is  a  tender  annual,— an  old 
favorite  of  the  flower-garden,  —  the  chief  beauty  of  which  con- 
sists in  its  variegated  leaves.  Miller,  in  ancient  times,  says, 
"  There  is  not  a  handsomer  plant  than  this,  in  its  full  lustre." 


AMARANTHUS.  163 

Gerarde  thus  speaks  of  it :  — 

"  It  farre  exceedeth  my  skill  to  describe  the  beauty  and 
excellencie  of  this  rare  plant,  called  Floramor ;  and  I  thinke 
the  pensil  of  the  most  curious  paixater  will  be  at  a  stay,  when 
he  shall  come  to  set  it  downe  in  his  lively  colours.  But  to 
colour  it  after  my  best  manner,  this  I  say,  Floramor  hath  a 
thicke,  knobby  root,  whereon  do  grow  many  threddie  strings ; 
from  which  ariseth  a  thicke  stalke,  but  tender  and  soft,  which 
beginneth  to  divide  itself  into  sundry  branches  at  the  ground, 
and  so  vpward,  whereupon  doth  grow  many  leaves,  wherein 
does  consist  his  beauty  :  for  in  few  words,  euerie  leafe  resem- 
bleth  in  colour  the  most  faire  and  beautifull  feather  of  a  Parot, 
especially  those  feathers  that  are  mixed  with  most  sundry  col- 
ours, as  a  stripe  of  red,  and  a  line  of  yellow,  a  dash  of  white, 
and  a  rib  of  green  colour,  which  I  cannot  with  words  set  forth, 
such  are  the  sundry  mixture  of  colours  that  Nature  hath  be- 
stowed, in  her  greatest  jolitie,  vpon  this  floure.  The  floure 
doth  grow  betweene  the  footstalks  of  those  leaves  and  the  body 
of  the  stalk  or  trunk,  base,  and  of  no  moment  in  respect  of  the 
leaves,  being  as  it  were  little  chaffie  husks  of  an  ouerworne 
tawny  colour ;  the  seed  is  black,  and  shining  like  burnished 
home." 

A.  hypocho7idriacus.  —  Prince's  Feather.  —  This  is  a  hardy 
annual,  well  known,  four  or  five  feet  high,  with  numerous 
heads  of  purplish-crimson  flowers,  suitable  for  the  shrubbery. 

A.  superbus  is  an  improved  variety  of  the  last ;  flowers  dark 
red  ;  three  to  four  feet  high  ;  from  June  to  September. 

A.  caudatus.  —  Love-lies-bleeding.  —  This  is  also  a  well- 
known  hardy  annual,  from  three  to  four  feet  high,  with  blood- 
red  flowers,  which  hang  in  pendant  spikes,  and,  at  a  little  dis- 
tance, look  like  streams  of  blood  ;  in  July  and  August.  It  is 
sometimes  called,  in  France,  "  Discipline  des  religieuses,^''  — 
the  Nun's  Whipping-rope. 

There  is  another  variety,  with  straw-colored  flowers,  but  it  is 
too  mean-looking  for  the  flower-ofarden. 


164  breck's  book  of  flowers. 


AMMOBIUM. 

Ammolmm  alatum.  — Winged  Ammobium.  —  This  is  a  very- 
pretty  half-hardy  annual,  with  composite  white  flowers,  or  with 
white,  dry,  involuchral  scales,  like  some  of  the  everlastings. 
The  flowers,  when  gathered  before  they  fully  mature,  retain 
their  shape  and  brightness,  and  are  fit  companions  for  the 
Globe  Amaranths,  Immortal  Flower,  &c.,  for  winter  orna- 
ments. It  grows  two  feet  high ;  in  flower  from  June  to  Octo- 
ber. The  stems  have  a  curious  winged  attachment  their 
whole  length. 

ANAGALLIS. 

Anagallis  JW?crt.  —  Indian  Anagallis.  — A  dwarf  trailing 
plant,  with  blue  flowers,  in  July  and  August. 


ASTER   CHINENIS. 

NOW    CAIiLISTEMME   HORTENSIS. 

Chi?ia  Aster. 


The  Double  China  Aster,  now  known  as  the  German  Aster, 
has,  within  a  few  years,  been  very  much  improved  and  per- 
fected by  the  German  florists,  and  others,  so  that  it  is  hardly  to 
be  recognized  as  the  same  flower  as  the  old  China  Aster  of  the 
flower-garden.  The  varieties  are  now  very  numerous,  and 
possess  exceeding  beauty,  some  of  them  being  almost  as  large 
as  a  small  Dahlia,  and  much  more  graceful.  The  full-quilled 
varieties  are  the  most  highly  esteemed,  having  a  hemispherical 
shape,  either  a  pure  white,  clear  blue,  purple,  rose,  or  deep  red  ; 
or  beautifully  mottled,  striped,  or  edged,  with  those  colors,  or 
having  a  red  or  blue  centre.  They  are  also  of  various  habits ; 
some  dwarf,  others  taller,  some  spreading,  and  others  growing 
erect  and  very  much  branched.      Seeds,  sown  in  the  fall  of  the 


AVENA  BARTONIA. 


165 


year,  produce  early  flowers  ;  but  they  come  too  early  in  bloom, 
and  are  not  so  perfect  as  those  coming  into  flower  about  the 
first  of  September. 

My  practice  is  to  sow  the  seeds  the  last  of  May,  in  patches, 
and  transplant  to  a  bed  well  prepared  the  last  of  June.  The 
plants  should  stand  a  foot  apart ;  but  there  being  some  uncer- 
tainty as  to  the  character  of  the  flower,  although  the  seed  may 
have  been  the  very  best,  I  put  out  two  or  three  plants  near 
each  other,  and  when  they  begin  to  flower,  cut  out  those  that 
are  inferior,  and  leave  those  only  that  are  perfect.  In  this  way 
alone  can  the  character  of  the  flower  be  kept  up.  Otherwise, 
they  will  soon  degenerate  into  inferior  flowers. 


AVENA. 

Avena  steralis, —  or  Animated  Oat, —  is  sometunes  grown  as 
an  object  of  curiosity,  on  account  of  its  singular  hygrometrical 
properties.  After  the  seeds  have  fallen  oft^,  their  strong  beard 
is  so  sensible  of  alternation  in  the  atmosphere  as  to  keep  them 
in  apparently  spontaneous  motion,  when  they  resemble  some 
grotesque  insect  crawling  upon  the  ground. 


BARTONIA. 

Bartonia  aurea.  —  Golden-flowered.  —  A  very  pretty  flow- 
ering annual,  the  flower-stem  rising  a  foot  high.  The  plant 
produces  a  profusion  of  showy  flowers,  of  a  fine  golden-yellow 
color.  Each  blossom  is  about  two  inches  and  a  half  across. 
The  plant  is  a  native  of  California.  It  delights  in  a  sheltered, 
sunny  situation,  and  it  is  to  be  grown  in  a  rich  soil,  where  it 
will  bloom  profusely.  The  plant  requires  to  be  raised  as  a 
frame  annual,  and  to  be  planted  in  the  border  in  May. 


166  breck's  book  of  floavf.rs. 


BEOWALLIA. 


Browallia  elata.  —  Blue  Amethj'-st.  —  A  tender  annual  from 
Peru,  named  by  Linnaeus  in  honor  of  John  Browallius.  It 
grows  one  and  a  half  foot  high,  and  bears  an  abundance  of 
small  bright-blue  flowers,  from  July  to  September.  There  is 
a  variety  with  white  flowers. 

To  have  it  in  perfection,  it  should  be  sown  in  hot-beds,  and 
transplanted  into  the  open  ground  the  first  of  June.  The 
plants  are  very  minute  when  they  first  make  their  appearance, 
and,  unless  protected  from  the  sun,  are  liable  to  be  destroyed. 
In  the  open  ground,  it  should  be  sown  about  the  10th.  of  May. 

BRIZA. 
Quaking  Grass. 

Briza,  from  a  Greek  word,  to  balance,  the  spikelets  being 
continually  in  a  state  of  suspension,  or  balance,  in  the  air.  It 
is  a  curious  genus. 

B.  maxima  is  sometimes  cultivated  as  a  border  flower;  the 
spikes  of  the  grass  are  elegant,  when  dried,  and  help  to  make 
up  a  bouquet  of  immortal  flowers. 


BRACHYCOME. 

Brachycome  iberidifolia.  —  Swan  Daisy.  —  A  beautiful  hardy 
annual,  of  dwarf  habit,  six  or  eight  inches  high ;  in  bloom 
from  July  to  September.  Flowers  of  various  shades  of  white, 
pink,  or  blue,  suitable  to  be  grown  in  masses  or  beds  ;  foliage 
delicate. 

CACCALIA. 

Caccalia  coccinnea.  —  Scarlet  Tassel-flower. —  A  neat  annual, 
of  easy  culture,  one  and  a  half  foot  high,  with  scarlet  tassel- 
shaped  flowers,  from  July  to  September.  Sow  it  the  first  of 
May. 


1 


CALENDULA CALAJMDKIiNIA CALAMFELIS.  .167 

CALENDULA. 

Caloidula.  —  So  named  because  it  may  be  found  in  flower 
during  the  calends  of  each  month,  or,  which  is  the  same  thing, 
during  every  month  of  the  year.  This  cannot  be  the  case  in 
our  cHmate. 

Calendida  officinalis. — Pot  Marigold. — A  hardy  annual, 
common  to  the  gardens  time  out  of  mind,  and  formerly  much 
used  in  soups  and  broths.  Flowers  deep  orange,  and  con- 
tinue all  the  season.  Some  of  the  double  varieties  are  very 
handsome. 


CALANDRINIA. 

Calandrinia  grandijlora.  —  Great-flowering.  —  This  is  a  half- 
hardy  annual ;  grows  two  feet  high ;  blooms  from  June  to  Octo- 
ber. It  is  a  fine  plant  for  growing  in  masses.  When  the  fine, 
rosy  lilac  flowers  of  this  very  beautiful  plant  are  fully  ex- 
panded, being  produced  in  vast  profusion,  and  continuing  for 
so  long  time  in  bloom,  they  make  a  pleasing  appearance,  and 
never  fail  to  give  ample  satisfaction.  To  have  it  in  its  greatest 
perfection,  the  seed  should  be  planted  in  pots,  and  placed  in  a 
hot-bed  early  in  the  spring.  In  June  the  plants  should  be  turned 
into  the  ground.     The  soil  should  be  a  rich  sandy  loam. 

Calandrinia  discolor  is  in  habit  veiy  much  like  the  other  ;  the 
foliage  is  purple  on  the  under  side ;  it  requires  the  same  treat- 
ment. 


CALAMPELIS. 

FOKMERLY    ECREMOCARPUS. 


Calampelis  scaler.  —  Rough-podded  Calampelis.  —  Th:s  is 
a  beautiful  climber,  a  perennial,  but  floAvers  the  first  year ; 
not  sufficiently  hardy  to  stand  our  winters.  Its  flowers  are 
produced  in  panicles  or  racemes,  and  are  of  a  bright  orange 
color;    it    flowers    profusely  the    latter    part    of   summer.      It 


168  bkeck's  book  of  flowers. 

will  be  necessary  to  plant  the  seeds  in  a  hot-bed  early  in  the 
spring,  and  when  the  plants  have  five  or  six  leaves  they 
should  be  transplanted  into  pots,  and  turned  into  the  ground 
in  June.     The  seeds  are  difficult  to  vegetate. 


CALLIOPSIS. 

Calliopsis  tinctoria.  —  Elegant  Coreopsis.  —  This  is  a  well- 
known  hardy  annual,  formerly  called  Coreopsis  tinctoria.  The 
flowers  are  large  and  rich,  having  a  dark  crimson-brown 
centre  with  yellow  rays.  The  only  difficulty  with  the  plant  is 
that  it  makes  itself  too  common,  sowing  itself  over  gardens, 
and  making  its  appearance  where  it  is  not  wanted.  In  flower 
June  and  July. 

Calliopsis  tinctoria  —  var.  atropiirpiirea.  —  Dyeing  Calli- 
opsis, dark-flowered  variety.  —  This  variety  of  the  well  known 
and  much  admired  Coreopsis  tinctoria,  is  very  superior  to  that 
species.  The  flowers  are  about  the  size  of  C.  tinctoria;  the 
centre  is  yellow,  surrounded  by  a  circle  of  dark  purple,  beyond 
which,  to  the  extremity  of  the  petals,  is  of  a  fine  red  scarlet 
color;  some  of  the  flowers  are  destitute  of  the  yellow  centre. 
It  is  a  splendid  flowering  annual,  and  deserves  a  place  in  every 
flower-garden ;  we  have  grown  it  in  masses,  and  it  produces  a 
fine  show. 


CARDIOSPERMUM. 

Cardiosjyermum  halicacabum.  —  Balloon  Vine,  or  Love  in  a 
Puff".  —  A  half-hardy  annual  from  the  West  Indies ;  a  creeper. 
The  seed  should  be  sown  between  the  first  and  tenth  of  May, 
and  the  plant  supported  with  brush  four  to  six  feet  high. 

The  plant  is  remarkable  for  its  inflated  membranous  capsule, 
from  which  it  is  sometimes  called  Balloon  Vine,  or  Love  in  a 
Puff".  The  flowers  are  white  and  green,  without  any  claim  to 
beauty. 


CAMPANULA CANNA.  169 

CAMPANULA. 

Campamda  speculum,  —  Venus'  Looking-glass,  —  An  annual 
border  flower,  of  some  beauty,  very  hardy ;  having  it  once  in  the 
ground,  it  will  sow  itself;  the  young  plants  may  be  taken  up 
in  the  spring  and  planted  where  to  remain,  and  should  be  set 
one  foot  from  each  other ;  or  sow  the  seed  very  early  in  the 
spring.  One  foot  high,  very  branching,  producing  a  long  suc- 
cession of  blue  flowers,  which  close  at  the  approach  of  rain, 
and  at  evening.  Speculum,  because  the  form  of  the  corolla 
resembles  a  little  round,  elegant  mirror  (speculum) ;  whence  it 
is  called  Venus'  Looking-glass. 

Campanula  Lm-eyi.  —  Lorey's  Bell-flower.  — A  hardy  annual, 
of  easy  culture,  thriving  in  almost  any  kind  of  soil,  sowing 
itself,  so  that  an  abundance  of  plants  are  found  the  following 
year.  It  is  dwarfish  in  its  habits,  and  highly  ornamental.  It 
has  large  expanded  blossoms,  of  a  deep  blue  or  white,  which 
continue  to  be  produced  in  succession  through  the  summer 
and  autumn  months. 


CANNA. 
Indian  Shot. 

The  genus  are  mostly  tropical  plants,  with  elegant  foliage 
from  four  to  eight  feet  high. 

Canna  Indica,  —  or  Indian  Shot  Plant.  —  This  is  the  most 
common  species,  and  succeeds  well  as  an  annual  if  the  plants 
are  started  in  a  hot-bed.  If  the  seeds  are  planted  in  pots,  and 
plunged  in  the  bed  when  it  has  its  greatest  heat,  the  plants 
will  soon  appear ;  and,  if  turned  into  the  ground  in  June,  will 
make  large  plants.     In  the  green-house  it  is  a  perennial. 

This  is  desirable,  not  only  for  the  beauty  of  its  spikes  of 

scarlet  flowers,  but  also  for  its  elegant  foliage,  and  particularly 

to  the  botanist,  as  it  belongs  to  the  small  class  Mcmandria,  (one 

stamen,)  which   in    this   region   furnishes  but  few  examples. 

15 


170 


BKECK  S    BOOK    OF    FLOWERS, 


There  are  many  species  in  large  collections,  all  handsome.  It 
becomes  a  large  plant  before  autumn,  five  or  six  feet  high,  with 
deep-green  leaves,  three  feet  long,  and  six  inches  in  width ; 
perfecting  seed,  which  is  round,  black,  and  hard,  having  the 
appearance  of  large  shot.  It  belongs  to  the  natural  order, 
CannacB,  mostly  tropical  plants. 


CELOSIA. 

Cockscomb. 

Celosia  cristata  is  common  in  most  gardens.  The  following 
account  is  inserted,  to  give  some  idea  of  what  may  be  done  by 
artificial  means.  "  Mr.  Knight,  in  October,  1820,  sent  to  the 
London  Horticultural  Society  a  Cockscomb,  the  flower  of  which 
measured  eighteen  inches  in  width  and  seven  in  height,  from 
the  top  of  the  stalk;  it  was  thick  and  full,  and  of  a  most 
intense  purple-red.  To  produce  this,  the  great  object  was  to 
retard  the  protrusion  of  the  flower-stalk,  that  it  might  become 
of  great  strength.  The  compost  employed  was  of  the  most 
nutritive  and  stimulating  kind,  consisting  of  one  part  of  unfer- 
mented  horse-dung,  fresh  from  the  stable,  and  without  litter, 
one  part  of  burnt  turf,  one  part  of  decayed  leaves,  and  two 
parts  of  green  turf,  the  latter  being  in  lumps  of  about  an  inch 
in  diameter,  in  order  to  keep  the  mass  so  hollow  that  the 
water  might  escape  and  the  air  enter.  The  seeds  were  sown 
in  the  spring,  rather  late,  and  the  plants  put  first  into  pots  of 
four  inches  diameter,  and  then  transplanted  to  others  a  foot  in 
diameter ;  the  object  being  not  to  compress  the  roots,  as  that 
has  a  tendency  to  accelerate  the  flowering  of  all  vegetables. 
The  plants  were  placed  within  a  lew  inches  of  the  glass,  in  a 
heat  of  from  70°  to  100°  ;  they  were  watered  with  pigeon-dung 
water,  and  due  attention  paid  to  remove  the  side  branches  when 
very  young,  so  as  to  produce  one  strong  head  or  flower." 

The  color  of  the  scarlet  varieties  is  highly  brilliant.  None 
of  the  other  colors  are  so  rich.  The  yellows  are  generally  rather 
dull  —  some  of  them  dirty-looking.    The  scarlets  and  crimsons 


CKNTAUREA CHRISEIS.  171 

are  the  only  colors  that  look  well.  There  are  the  tall  and 
dwarf  varieties,  and  some  that  are  somewhat  branching;  but 
these  last  should  be  rejected.  To  produce  fine  combs  the  soil 
cannot  be  made  too  rich ;  the  plants  must  also  be  forwarded  in 
a  hot-bed.  Very  showy  plants  can  be  raised  by  sowing  the 
seed  in  the  open  ground  in  May,  but  they  cannot  be  raised  in 

perfection. 

— ♦ — 

CENTAUREA. 

Centaurea  Americana.  —  American  Centaurea.  —  A  hand- 
some hardy  annual,  discovered  by  Nuttall,  on  the  alluvial  soil 
of  the  Arkansas  and  Red  rivers,  two  or  three  feet  high,  with 
large  purplish-pink  flowers  in  August.  It  is  of  easy  culture, 
and  should  be  sown  early  in  April. 

Centaurea  cyanus, —  Blue  Bottle,  —  is  a  common  weed,  in 
cornfields,  on  gravelly  soils,  throughout  Europe,  and  also  a 
popular  border  annual.  The  flower,  originally  blue,  in  gardens 
present  varieties  with  white,  pink,  purple  and  parti-colored 
rays.     The  time  of  sowing  early  in  April. 

Centaurea  moschata  purpurea  —  \?iX.  alba.  —  Purple  Sweet 
Sultan,  White  do.  —  Handsome  border  annuals,  of  easy  cul- 
ture, natives  of  Persia,  two  feet  high,  with  fragrant  flowers 
from  July  to  September.     Sow  in  April. 

Centaurea  suaveolens.  —  Yellow  Sweet  Sultan.  —  A  hand- 
some annual  from  the  Levant,  one  and  a  half  foot  high,  with 
lively,  rich  yellow  flowers  from  July  to  September.  Sow  first 
of  May. 

Centaurea  be7iedicta.  —  Blessed  Thistle.  —  A  hardy  annual 
from  Spain,  two  feet  high,  with  yellow  flowers  from  July  to 
September.     Sow  last  of  April. 


CHRISEIS. 

California  Poppy. 

Chriseis  CaUfornica.  —  Formerly  Eschsholtzia.  —  Grows  two 
feet  high  ;  blooms  from  June  to  September.     Flowers  brilliant 


172  breck's  book  of  floavers. 

shining  yellow.  Scarcely  any  plant  produces  a  greater  degree 
of  splendor  than  this ;  when  the  full  sun  is  upon  it,  it  makes  a 
complete  blaze  of  color.  It  is  a  most  suitabk  plant  for  pro- 
ducing a  distant  effect.  When  it  is  planted  out  in  a  bed,  it 
requires  a  considerable  number  of  sticks  for  support,  or  the 
weak  branches  will  be  liable  to  lie  close  to  the  ground,  and 
then  the  bloom  is  not  so  fine.  If  planted  in  single  patches, 
they  should  have  several  sticks  placed  round,  and  a  string 
fastened,  so  as  to  keep  the  flower-stalks  tolerably  erect ;  by  this 
attention  a  neat  and  handsome  effect  will  be  given.  I  adopt 
the  use  of  cross-strings,  as  well  as  a  circular  one,  by  which 
means  I  have  the  shoots  regularly  disposed. 

Chriseis  crocea.  —  Saffron-colored  Californian  Poppy.  —  The 
principal  difference  between  this  and  the  variety  now  well 
known  here,  is  in  the  color  —  this  being  a  dark,  bright  saffron- 
color  ;  the  botanical  difference  is,  that  in  this  the  point  of  the 
calyx  is  longer,  and  the  apex  or  end  of  the  peduncle  (flower- 
stem)  is  more  expanded.  It  is,  like  the  other,  a  hardy  annual 
or  biennial. 

CHRYSANTHEMUM. 

Chrysanthemum  coronaria.  —  Garden  Chrysanthemum.  — 
Handsome  hardy  annuals,  one  variety  with  white,  and  another 
with  yellow  flowers  ;  two  feet  or  more  high;  in  bloom  from  July 
to  October.  Sow  the  seed  in  April.  The  double  varieties 
alone  are  worth  cultivation.  The  fine  double  varieties  are 
propagated  by  cutting. 

Chrysanthemum  cavinatum,  or  tricolor.  — Tricolored  Chrysan- 
themum. —  A  hardy  annual  from  Barbary,  one  and  a  half  or  two 
feet  high,  in  flower  from  July  to  October.  Disk  of  the  flower 
purplish-brown,  inner  circle  of  the  rays  yellow,  margined  with 

white ;  very  pretty. 

— ♦ — 

COIX. 

Coix  lachryma.  —  Job's  Tear.  —  A  kind  of  tropical  grass 
from  the  East  Indies.    It  is  called  Job's  Tear  on  account  of  the 


CT.ARKIA.  173 

appearance  of  its  shiny,  pearly  fruit,  which,  when  suspended 
on  its  slender  pedicels,  resembles  in  no  inconsiderable  degree  a 
falling  tear.  The  plant  is  about  two  or  three  feet  high,  a  ten- 
der annual,  and  has  some  resemblance  to  Indian  corn  in  the 
stalks  and  leaves.  Cultivated  for  its  singular  fruit.  The 
flowers  are  destitute  of  beauty. 


CL  ARKIA. 

Clarkia  pulchella.  —  Beautiful  Clarkia.  —  This  is  a  hardy 
annual,  of  great  beauty,  discovered  by  Captain  Clark,  in  his 
expedition,  with  Captain  Lewis,  to  the  Columbia  River.  It  is 
a  native  of  the  Rocky  Mountains. 

Plants  from  seed  sown  in  August  or  September  flower 
much  stronger  than  when  sown  in  the  spring,  but  succeed  very 
well  when  planted  in  April  or  early  in  May.  The  soil  should 
not  be  over  rich  or  moist,  as  they  frequently  die  very  suddenly 
in  such  a  location.  In  a  good,  sound  loam,  rather  light,  it 
flourishes  best.  The  flowers  are  light-purple ;  plants  one  foot 
high  ;  in  bloom  from  June  to  September. 

There  is  a  variety  with  pure  white  flowers.  All  the  varie- 
ties and  species,  when  grown  in  large  masses,  are  very  orna- 
mental. 

C.  elegans,  —  Elegant  Clarkia,  —  and  its  varieties,  are 
also  hardy  annuals,  of  great  beauty,  requiring  the  same  treat- 
ment as  C.  jndchella ;  from  one  foot  to  eighteen  inches  high; 
in  flower  at  the  same  time. 

C.  rhomboidea.  —  Entire-petalled.  —  Synonym.  C.  gau- 
roides.  —  It  is  an  annual,  growing  about  two  feet  high.  The 
flow'ers  are  an  inch  across,  purple  and  white  near  the  bottom 
of  each  petal,  spotted  with  purple.  It  much  more  resembles 
C.  elegans  than  C.  piilchella,  Mr.  Douglas  has  left  some 
remarks  on  another  species  in  California,  closely  allied  to  C. 
rhomhmiea,  viz.,  C.  unguiculata. 
15# 


174  breck's  book  of  flowers. 


CLINTONIA. 


Clintonia  elegans.  —  Elegant  Clintonia.  —  A  beautiful  ten- 
der annual,  with  delicate  foliage,  and  rich  blue  flowers  in  great 
profusion ;  six  inches  high ;  in  July  and  August. 

C  pulckella.  —  Pretty  Clintonia.  —  A  native  of  California. 
It  is  a  pretty  flowering  tender  annual,  of  veiy  humble  growth, 
only  rising  a  few  inches  high.  The  flowers  are  rather  larger 
than  C.  elegans,  blue,  with  a  broad  white  spot  at  the  centre, 
stained  with  a  rich  yellow.  The  flower  is  about  half  an  inch 
across.  Its  delicacy  of  growth  will  prevent  its  spreading 
rapidly  through  the  country. 

The  Clintonias,  when  grown  in  pots  in  the  green-house,  are 

very  beautiful. 

— * — 

C  L  E  0  M  E  . 

This  is  an  elegant  tribe  of  plants,  and  very  curious  in  their 
structure.  The  petals  range  themselves  on  the  upper  side,  and 
the  stamens  and  pistil  are  protruded  a  considerable  length  on 
slender  filaments,  forming  beautiful  airy  groups. 

Cleome  grandiflora  is  one  of  the  most  showy  of  the  genus. 
It  is  easily  raised  from  seed,  when  planted  in  the  open  ground, 
in  April  or  May,  and  blooms  abundantly  from  July  to  Septem- 
ber; grows  from  three  to  four  feet  high.  Its  spikes,  continually 
increasing  in  length,  are  always  surmounted  with  a  crest  of 
beautiful  buds  and  flowers,  which  are  of  a  pale  pink-purple. 
It  is  beautiful  in  the  garden,  but  withers  very  quickly  when  cut. 

C.  pentaphylla.  —  This  is  also  a  handsome  annual,  of  the 
same  habit  of  the  last ;  about  two  or  three  feet  high  ;  the  flow- 
ers pure  white ;  the  odor  of  the  plant  is  most  offensive. 

C.  spinosa  is  a  spiny  plant,  which  grows  about  four  feet 
high,  and  bears  a  spike  of  beautiful  white  (sometimes  pinkish) 
flowers.     All  the  species  flourish  in  any  common  garden  soil. 

However  beautiful  and  curious  these  plants  may  be,  and 
desirable  for  show,  they  are  repulsive  to  the  smell  and  unpleas- 
ant to  the  touch,  and,  therefore,  will  not  be  favorites. 


COBiE COLLOJIIA COLLINSIA.  175 


COB^. 

Cobm  sca?idens.  —  Mexican  Climbing  Cobee.  —  This  is  the 
most  rapid  green-house  plant  known,  having  been  found  to 
grow  two  hundred  feet  in  one  summer,  in  a  conservatory.  It 
is  a  perennial,  but  will  not  stand  the  winter,  and,  unless  culti- 
vated in  a  green-house,  is  classed  with  tender  annuals.  It 
flourishes  well  in  the  open  air,  especially  if  it  is  first  started  in 
a  hot-bed,  in  a  pot,  and  turned  into  the  ground  in  June.  I 
have  found  it  to  continue  blooming  after  a  number  of  moderate 
frosts.  The  flowers  are  large,  purple,  and  bell-shaped.  The 
foliage  is  handsome,  and  the  tendrils,  which  are  fine  and  silky, 
will  attach  themselves  to  anything  within  reach,  even  a  cobweb. 
If  located  in  a  warm  place,  it  will  cover  a  large  space  before  it 
is  destroyed  by  the  frost.  It  can  be  raised  by  cuttings,  but  is 
rather  difficult  to  keep  through  the  winter. 


COLLOMIA. 

Collomia  coccinnea. — Avery  lively  flower,  growing  in  heads  of 
bright  carmine  red,  rather  desirable  and  early.  The  seeds 
have,  like  some  of  the  Salvias,  the  curious  property  of  becom- 
ing invested  with  vegetable  mucus  when  moistened  with 
water. 


COLLINSIA. 

Collinsia  hicolor.  —  Two-colored  Collinsia.  —  A  beautiful 
hardy  annual,  with  white  and  h'ght-purple  flowers,  which  are 
numerous  and  prettj'  in  June  and  July ;  one  foot  high. 

C.  grandiflora.  —  Large-flowering  Collinsia.  —  This  is 
another  beautiful  species,  with  large  flowers,  blue  and  purple ; 
flowering  at  the  same  time,  and  about  the  same  height,  bat 


176  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

more  spreading.     Both  species  are  suitable  to  be  planted  in 
masses.     Foliage  delicate. 


COMMELINA. 

Commelina  ccelestis.  —  Sky-blue  Commelina.  —  Tender  an- 
nual, or  perennial  if  the  roots  are  taken  up  and  housed.  The 
splendid  blue  flowers  of  this  plant  cannot  be  excelled,  and  its 
profusion  of  blossoms  renders  it  deserving  of  cultivation  in 
every  flower-garden.  The  plant  blooms  from  the  middle  of 
June  to  October.  The  roots  are  tuberous,  and  keep  well 
through  winter,  if  taken  up  after  the  blooming  season,  and  pre- 
served like  Dahlia  roots.  Plants  from  the  old  roots  grow, 
in  good  soil,  from  two  to  three  feet  high ;  those  from  seeds 
reach  only  from  one  to  two  feet.  The  following  is  the  mode 
of  management  I  have  practised  :  —  I  fix  upon  a  circular  bed, 
eight  feet  in  diameter,  and  in  the  first  week  in  May  I  plant 
four  feet  of  the  centre  with  the  old  roots,  placing  the  crowns 
just  under  the  surface  of  the  soil.  The  outer  portion  of  the 
bed  I  plant  with  spring-sown  plants,  that  have  been  raised  in 
pots  placed  in  a  frame.  Both  the  roots  and  plants  should  be 
planted  about  six  inches  apart.  Thus,  the  centre  of  the  bed 
being  much  higher  than  the  outer  part,  the  appearance  is  that 
of  a  splendid  blue  cone  of  flowers,  scarcely  to  be  excelled  in 
beauty.  Seeds  are  produced  in  abundance,  and  may  be 
obtained  of  seedsmen  at  a  small  cost. 


COREOPSIS. 

Coreopsis  Drummondii.  —  t)rummond  Coreopsis.  —  A  very 
showy  hardy  annual,  with  large  yellow  flowers,  suitable  for 
growing  in  masses,  as  it  continues  in  bloom  all  the  season. 
One  foot  high. 

C.  tinctoria  will  be  found  under  the  head  of  Calliopsis. 


CONVOLVULUS  —  CREPIS DATURA.  177 

CONVOLVULUS. 

Morning  Glory. 

Convolvulus  minor.  —  Dwarf  Convolvulus.  —  A  beautiful 
hardy  annual,  easily  cultivated,  affording  a  large  mass  of 
beauty  from  July  to  October.  The  plant  spreads  out  much  in 
every  direction  from  the  centre,  so  that  a  bed  of  them,  with 
the  plants  two  feet  distant  from  each  other,  will  interlock. 
It  is  not  exceeded  in  elegance  by  any  plant,  when  profusely 
covered  with  blue  and  yellow  flowers,  which  open  in  the  morn- 
ing, and  continue  the  greater  part  of  the  day,  if  the  sun  is  not 
powerfully  hot,  in  which  case  they  often  fade  by  noon.  The 
seed  should  be  sown  in  April. 

C.  major.  —  Morning  Glory.  —  A  well-known  annual,  of 
easy  culture,  and  suitable  for  covering  arbors  or  shading  win- 
dows, consisting  of  many  varieties,  as  white,  rose,  purple,  and 
striped. 


CREPIS. 

Crepis  harhata.  —  Purple-eyed  Crepis.  —  The  Purple-eyed 
Crepis  is  an  uncommonly  hardy  and  beautiful  annual,  of  the 
easiest  culture.  Sown  in  masses,  and  the  plants  thinned  out 
to  eighteen  inches  distance,  it  makes  a  splendid  appearance. 
It  begins  to  flower  the  first  of  July,  and  continues,  till  October, 
covered  with  beautiful  flowers,  the  rays  of  a  light  yellow,  finely 
contrasted  with  the  brilliant  purple-brown  of  the  centre. 


DATURA. 

Thorn  Apple  —  Apple  of  Peru. 


Datura,  tatnla,  ferox  quercifolia.  —  The  first  of  these  is  the 
common  weed  called  the  Apple  of  Peru ;  ferox  resembles  it  in 


178  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

growth,  but  the  flower  is  pure  white ;  quercAfolia  we  think  the 
handsomest  flower  of  either  species ;  it  is  larger  than  tatula, 
measuring  five  inches  across  the  mouth,  white,  the  nerves  of  a 
fine  pink,  shaded  with  a  dull  purple.  The  fruit  is  contained 
in  a  smooth  capsule,  and  the  leaf  is  somewhat  like  the  oak, 
{quercus,)  whence  its  name.  The  manner  of  growth  is  very- 
elegant  ;  and  as  each  succeeding  blossom  burst  through  its  fine 
calyx,  we  thought  it  more  beautiful  than  its  predecessor.  We 
can  truly  recommend  this  as  an  ornament  to  the  garden. 

D.  stramoniuTn,  double  purple,  is  also  a  very  desirable  flower. 


DELPHINIUM. 

Larkspur. 

The  annual  Larkspurs  are  familiar  to  almost  every  one. 
Some  of  the  species  and  varieties  are  among  the  most  common 
ornaments  of  the  garden.  They  are  all  very  hardy,  and 
flower  stronger  when  self-sown  in  summer,  or  planted  in  beds, 
or  in  the  border,  in  August  or  September.  There  are  two  dis- 
tinct species  in  common  cultivation,  differing  essentially  in 
their  habits. 

Delphinium  consolida.  —  Branching  Larkspur.  —  This  va- 
riety grows  from  two  to  three  feet  high,  producing  its  flowers 
in  spikes,  which  are  continually  pushing  out  from  the  main 
stem  and  branches,  giving  an  abundance  of  bloom  through  the 
season.  Flowers  blue,  white,  pink,  and  variegated.  The  double 
varieties  are  the  most  desirable.  Masses  of  the  different  sorts 
appear  to  great  advantage. 

D.  ajacis.  —  Dwarf  Rocket  Larkspur.  — The  double  varieties 
of  this  species  are  among  the  most  showy  ornaments  of  the 
flower-garden,  when  properly  grown. 

A  bed  of  the  double  varieties,  consisting  of  white,  pearl 
color,  lilac,  pink,  light  and  dark  purple,  is  equal  in  beauty  to 
a  bed  of  fine  Hyacinths.     Autumn-sown  plants  will  grow  from 


DIANTHUS DIDISCUis DOLICHOS EUTOCA.  179 

one  and  a  half  to  two  feet  high.  When  grown  in  a  rich,  stiff 
soil,  the  Rocket  Larkspur  must  always  be  considered  the 
greatest  summer  ornament  of  the  garden.  The  seed  should  be 
sown  in  beds  where  it  is  to  remain,  as  it  does  not  succeed  well 
when  transplanted.  The  plants  should  be  thinned  out  so  as  to 
stand  six  inches  apart. 


DIANTHUS. 
Diantkus  Chinensis.—lnAvaxi  Pink.    See  Dianthus,Tpage  111. 


DIDISCUS. 

Didiscns  ccerulea.  —  Sky-blue  Didiscus.  —  This  is  an  ele- 
gant annual.  The  plant  is  very  much  branched,  producing  its 
fine  blue  flowers  in  numerous  umbels,  or  hemispherical  heads, 
of  the  size  and  shape  of  a  large  quilled  Aster.  Two  feet  high ; 
in  July  and  August.  Sow  the  seed  in  the  open  ground  in 
May.  Plants  forwarded  in  a  frame  will  begin  to  flower  in  June. 


DOLICHOS. 

Dolichos  labbab.  —  Purple  Hyacinth  Bean.  —  A  fine,  tender 
annual  climber,  growing  from  eight  to  fifteen  feet  in  a  season. 
Treatment  very  much  like  the  common  bean.  Flowers  in  clus- 
tered spikes.     There  is  a  variety  with  white  flowers. 


EUTOCA, 


Eutoca  viscida.  —  Clammy  Eutoca.  —  The  whole  herbage  is 
of  a  dull  green,  copiously  clothed  with  glandular  viscid  hairs. 
The  glands  of  a  soot-black  ;  stem  about  one  foot  high.     When 


180  breck's)  book  of  floaveks. 

in  blossom,  few  plants  possess  greater  attractions,  from  the 
extreme  brilliancy  of  the  flowers,  which  are  of  the  deepest  azure- 
blue.  It  is  a  hardy  annual,  and  easily  raised  from  seed.  In 
bloom  most  of  the  season. 

E.  divaricata.  —  Straggling  Eutoca.  —  A  small,  light-violet 
flower,  from  California,  not  very  showy.  E.  multiflora  is  in 
gardens  here,  but,  although  preferable  to  this,  is  not  very  likely 
to  become  a  favorite. 

E.  Wrangelina.  — Earon  Wrangel's  Eutoca.  —  This  pretty 
flowering  annual  is  a  native  of  New  California,  and  has 
very  recently  been  introduced  into  this  country.  The  plant  is 
of  ready  culture,  growing  freely  in  the  open  border,  and  bloom- 
ing for  several  months,  and  has  a  peculiarly  neat  appearance. 
The  cymose  heads,  of  pale-blue  blossoms,  being  shoAvy ;  each 
blossom  is  about  half  an  inch  across. 

E.  Menziesii.  —  Menzies'  Eutoca.  —  A  beautiful  hardy 
annual.  The  whole  plant  is  clothed  with  hoary  down,  inter- 
mixed with  longer  bristly  hairs.  Flowers  light-blue,  in  racemes 
an  inch  long.  The  plant  should  be  cultivated  in  a  light  soil 
and  sunny  situation. 


EUPHORBIA. 

Euphorbia  variegata.  —  Variegated  Euphorbia.  —  A  most 
elegant  species ;  a  native  of  Missouri  and  Arkansas  Territory ; 
an  annual  much  cultivated  now  in  gardens,  and  highly 
esteemed ;  flowering  late  in  autumn,  and  remarkable  for  its 
abundant  variegated  floral  leaves. 

Leaves  oval  entire ;  wavy,  edged  with  white ;  capsules 
smooth  ;  stems  hairy. 

The  seed  must  be  sown  early  in  April;  it  is  some  time 
vegetating. 


ERYSIMUM GAILLARDIA GILIA.  181 

ERYSIMUM. 

Erysimum  peroffskianum.  —  Palestine  Mustard.  —  This  is 
a  hardy  annual,  having  some  resemblance  to  the  Wall-flower. 
The  plant  is  erect ;  one  foot  to  one  and  a  half  high ;  bearing 
racemes  or  spikes  of  deep-orange  blossoms  from  June  to  Sep- 
tember :  a  mass  of  it  is  very  showy. 


GAILLARDIA. 

Gaillardiapicta.  —  Painted  Gaillardia.  —  Avery  handsome 
plant,  naturally  a  perennial,  but  produces  its  flowers  the  first 
year  from  seed,  if  started  early.  It  does  not  stand  the  winter 
without  protection.  It  has  large,  beautiful  crimson  and  yellow 
flowers  in  August;  one  to  two  feet  high. 

G.  bicolor.  —  Two-colored  Gaillardia. — This  variety  ap- 
pears identical  with  Gaillardia  picta,  excepting  all  the  leaves 
being  entire.  The  fine  large  blossoms,  more  than  two  inches 
across,  the  large  crimson  disk,  sun'ounded  by  a  ray  of  fine  yel- 
low, produce  a  very  showy  appearance,  and  render  the  plant 
well  deserving  a  place  in  every  flower-garden.  Gaillardia,  in 
compliment  to  M.  Gaillard  de  Marentonneau,  an  amateur 
botanist. 


GILIA. 

Gilia  tricoloi'. — Three-colored  Gilia.  — This  pretty  annual, 
originally  from  California,  has  found  its  way  into  most  of  our 
gardens. 

"  This  is  one  among  the  prettiest  hardy  annuals,  not  only  of 
recent  introduction  into  the  country,  but  that  is  known  in  our 
gardens.  It  is,  too,  the  more  pleasing  from  the  variation  of 
tint  seen  among  its  delicate  flowers,  some  of  them  being  white." 

Pretty  as  this  flower  is,  we  fear  it  will  not  find  favor  with 
most  cultivators  ;  something  more  showy  is  wanted  to  suit  the 
16 


182  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

common  taste.  The  flowers  are  disposed  in  panicles,  with  a 
yellow  eye,  surrounded  by  a  purple  ring,  bordered  by  pale- 
blue  or  white.  It  does  not  exceed  one  foot  in  height.  "From 
its  humble  stature  and  neat  growth  it  is  peculiarly  suited  for 
culture  in  masses ;  a  style  of  planting  showy  flowers  which 
produces  a  striking  effect,  where  it  can  be  pursued  on  a  tolera- 
bly extensive  scale." 

G.  tenuijlora.  —  Slender-flowered.  —  A  new  hardy  annual 
from  California.  Mr.  Douglass  has  appended  the  name  Gilia 
splendens  to  the  plant,  but  it  does  not  certainly  merit  such  an 
appellation,  being  much  inferior  to  G.  tricolor.  The  flowers 
of  the  present  species  are  produced  upon  slender,  branching 
stems,  which  rise  to  about  two  feet  high  ;  each  flower  is  about  a 
quarter  of  an  inch  across,  of  a  pale  rose  color,  slightly  streaked 
with  red  outside,  and  of  a  fine  violet  in  the  inside.  The  flowers 
do  not  produce  much  show  where  a  single  plant  is  grown ;  but, 
if  grown  in  masses,  it  makes  a  pretty  addition  to  the  flower- 
garden. 

G.  capitata.  —  Headed  Gilia.  —  A  pretty  hardy  annual, 
with  blue,  and  a  variety  with  white,  flowers,  in  clusters  or 
heads  ;  from  June  to  August ;  two  feet  high. 


GOMPHRENA. 

Globe  Aviaranth. 

"  Amaranths  such  as  crown  the  maids 
That  wander  through  Zamara's  shades." 

Gomphrena  globosa,  —  Globe  Amaranth,  —  of  which  there  are 
three  common  varieties,  the  white  and  the  purple  and  the 
striped,  are  desirable  for  their  heads  of  flowers,  which,  if  gath- 
ered before  they  are  too  far  advanced,  will  retain  their  beauty 
for  several  years.  The  seed  is  difficult  to  vegetate  in  the 
open  ground ;  soaking  in  milk  twelve  hours  is  recommended ; 
scalding,  perhaps,  would  do  better. 


GODETIA HELIANTHUS.  183 

A  powerful  heat  in  the  hot-bed  will  start  it  quick,  and  de- 
stroy the  plant  also,  unless  care  is  taken.  Goviphrom  is  said  to 
be  a  name  applied  by  the  ancients  to  a  plant  bearing  red  and 
green  leaves  on  the  same  stem  ;  probably  our  Amaranthus  tri- 
color, which  is  a  well  known  tender  annual,  of  some  show. 


GODETIA. 

Primrose. 

This  genus  of  plants  has  been  separated  from  (E?iothera,  to 
which  it  formerly  belonged.  They  are  generally  very  beauti- 
ful plants  ;  ha^dy  annuals,  of  easy  cultivation  in  any  good  gar- 
den soil. 

Godetia  Lindleyaiia.  —  Lindley's  Godetia,  —  This  species  is 
one  of  the  prettiest  of  the  tribe.  The  flowers  are  either  white 
or  blush,  with  a  rich  purple  blotch  on  each  petal,  which  gives 
great  beauty  to  the  flower.  In  flower  in  July  and  August ; 
about  one  foot  high. 

G.  rubicunda.  —  Ruddy  Godetia.  —  A  handsome  hardy  an- 
nual plant,  growing  about  one  and  a  half  foot  high,  with  purple 
flowers  appearing  in  July  and  August.     A  native  of  California. 

G.  densifiora,  —  Dense-flowered,  —  has  its  purple  flowers  in 
clusters. 

There  are  many  other  species  and  varieties,  all  worthy  of 
cultivation,  as  G.  lepida,  quadrivulnera,  imrpurea,  lifrous,  &c. 


HELIANTHUS. 

Sun-flower. 

"  Great  Helianthus  climhs  the  upland  lawn, 
And  bows  in  homage  to  the  rising  dawn  ; 
Imbibes  with  eagle  eye  the  golden  ray, 
And  watches  as  it  moves  the  orb  of  day." 

Helianthus   annuas.  —  Garden    Sun-flower.  —  This    lordly 
plant  is  too  well  known  to  need  any  description.    A  plantation 


184  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

of  them,  in  some  locations,  will  do  very  well ;    but  they  are 
great  exhausters  of  the  soil. 

The  Doable  Dwarf  Sun-flower  is  more  desirable  :  the  tubular 
florets  of  the  disk  being  changed  into  ligular  ones,  like  those  in 
the  ray  ;  from  three  to  six  feet  high. 


HIBISCUS. 

Hibiscus  vesicarivs.  —  African  Hibiscus.  —  This  is  a  plant  of 
extremely  easy  culture  ;  should  be  planted  early  in  the  spring. 
The  petals  are  large  and  showy,  of  a  straw  color,  the  centre  a 
deep  rich  brown  or  purple,  finely  contrasted  \vith  the  brilliant 
gold  color  of  the  stamens  or  anthers.  The  flowers  quickly 
perish,  but,  to  compensate  for  their  frailty,  it  continues  to  bloom 
from  June  to  September. 


HELICHRYSUM. 
Everlasting  Flower. 

A  family  of  plants  much  admired  on  account  of  the  beauty 
of  their  flowers,  when  dried ;  which,  if  gathered  when  they 
first  open,  and  carefully  dried,  retain  their  color  and  shape  for 
many  years.  They  are,  therefore,  highly  prized  for  winter 
mantel  bouquets,  and  ornaments  for  vases,  &c. 

Helichrysum  bracteatum.  —  Golden  Eternal  Flower.  — It  is  a 
hardy  annual,  growing  two  feet  high,  producing  flowers  from 
July  to  November.     There  is  a  variety  with  white  flowers. 

H.  micanthrum. — Large  Everlasting  Flower. — This  is  of 
the  same  height  as  the  preceding,  flowering  at  the  same  time ; 
flowers  much  larger ;  one  variety  white,  tipped  with  red ;  an- 
other yellow,  tipped  in  the  same  way  ;  all  are  easily  cultivated 
in  a  rich,  loamy  soil.  Plants,  forwarded  in  a  frame,  are  in 
bloom  from  June  to  November. 


IBERIS.  —  IMPATIENS.  185 

IBERIS. 

Candy-Tuft. 

Iberis,  from  the  country  called  Iberia,  now  Spain.  Most 
)f  the  species  grow  in  such  countries.  They  are  generally 
pretty  plants,  and  some  of  them  cultivated  in  gardens  as  hardy 
annuals,  under  the  name  of  Candy-Tuft,  —  a  name  which  was 
originally  applied  to  the  /.  umhellata  only,  which  was  first  dis- 
covered in  Candia. 

I.  umhellata  has  umbels  of  purple  flowers,  in  June  and  July. 

/.  amara,  or  bitter,  has  white  flowers,  in  umbels,  at  the  same 
time.  Both  are  hardy  annuals,  of  no  little  beauty,  (the  last 
from  England,)  and  worthy  of  cultivation.  The  seed  should 
be  sown  early  in  April ;  height  about  one  foot. 

/.  coronaria.  —  Rocket  Candy-Tuft.  —  This  hardy  annual  is 
of  considerable  beauty,  being  very  showy,  and  a  pure  white. 
The  clusters  of  racemes  are  numerous  and  very  large,  being 
three  or  four  inches  long.  At  a  distance,  the  fine  flowers  very 
much  resemble  the  Double  White  Rocket.  It  blooms  for  sev- 
eral months  during  the  summer.  It  well  deserves  a  place  in 
every  flower-garden. 

All  the  species  and  varieties  of  the  Candy-Tuft  are  very 
hardy,  and  easy  to  cultivate.  The  fall-sown  seeds  flower  early ; 
those  sown  in  April,  from  July  to  September ;  and  some  of 
the  species  until  the  frost  in  October.  There  is  a  variety,  called 
the  New  Crimson,  that  is  not  crimson,  but  a  deep,  rich  purple. 
All  the  varieties  look  best  in  beds,  or  masses. 


IMPATIENS. 

Balsavi. 

Impatiens  lalsamina.  —  Touch-me-not.  —  The  Double  Bal- 
sam is  one  of  the  most  prominent  ornaments  of  the  garden,  in 
July  and  August.     Old  seed  is  considered  by  some  to  be  the 
best,  as  more  likely  to  produce  double    flowers.     The  seeds 
16* 


186  breck's  book  of  flowers, 

should  be  saved  from  double  flowering  plants  only  ;  all  single 
flowering  ones  should  be  destroyed  as  soon  as  they  appear. 
Most  plants  raised  in  a  hot-bed  do  better  to  transplant  into 
small  pots,  and  shift  to  larger  as  they  increase  in  size.  Bal- 
sams thus  treated,  sown  the  first  of  April,  will  begin  to  flower 
the  last  of  May,  and  may  be  turned  into  the  ground  in  June, 
without  checking  their  growth  in  the  least.  If  the  soil  is  rich 
and  a  little  moist,  or  supplied  with  moisture,  the  plants  will 
attain  a  monstrous  size,  and  be  completely  covered  with  a  pro- 
fusion of  flowers  all  the  season.  All  the  full  double  varieties 
are  beautiful ;  the  colors  are  crimson,  scarlet,  light  and  dark 
purple,  rose,  blush,  white,  &c.;  some  produce  white  and  red  or 
purple  flowers  on  the  same  plant;  others  are  variegated,  or 
spotted  with  various  shades  of  red  and  purple,  which  are 
decidedly  the  most  elegant.  The  seed  should  be  sown  in  the 
open  ground  about  the  middle  of  May ;  they  will  then  flower 
very  well  for  two  months  of  the  season. 


IPOMEA. 

The  greater  part  of  this  genus  are  handsome  climbing 
plants. 

Ipomea  quamod.it,  —  Cypress  Vine.  —  There  is  no  annual 
climbing  plant  that  exceeds  the  Cypress  Vine,  in  elegance  of 
foliage,  gracefulness  of  habit,  or  loveliness  of  flowers. 

The  only  difficulty  in  its  successful  cultivation,  in  our  climate, 
is  the  "shortness  of  our  seasons.  It  requires  heat  to  bring  it  to 
perfection,  and  will  not  give  general  satisfaction,  unless  the 
plants  are  brought  forward  in  the  hot-bed. 

If  it  is  planted  in  the  open  ground,  it  will  not  be  of  any  ad- 
vantage to  sow  the  seed  before  the  last  of  May,  as  it  will  not 
grow  till  the  ground  is  warm.  Previous  to  sowing,  the  seed 
should  have  boiling  water  poured  over  it,  which  should  remain 
until  the  water  is  nearly  cold.  If  sown  in  a  warm  place,  the 
plants  will  appear  above  ground  in  a  few  days.  The  plants  are 
difficult  to  transplant,  therefore  the  seeds  should  be  sown  where 


IPOMEA.  187 

the  plants  are  to  remain.  Without  scalding,  or  unless  the  hull 
of  the  seed  is  taken  off,  it  will  remain  in  the  ground  a  long 
time  without  vegetating.  Plants  thus  raised  will,  in  a  warm 
season,  do  very  well,  but  much  inferior  to  those  that  have  been 
forwarded  in  the  frame.  The  seeds  should  be  sown  in  a  hot- 
bed, with  a  brisk  heat,  in  March,  in  small  pots,  a  number  of 
seeds  in  each  pot,  so  as  to  be  sure  of  two  or  three  plants  in 
each.  In  a  month,  if  carefully  attended,  the  roots  will  have 
filled  the  pots  ;  it  will  then  be  necessary  to  shift  the  plants  into 
larger  ones.  Before  the  first  of  June,  the  plants  will  begin 
to  flower ;  but  do  not  be  in  haste  to  put  them  into  the  ground ; 
keep  them  in  the  frame,  where  they  can  be  protected  in  case 
of  cold  storms,  but  expose  them  during  the  day  to  the  full 
influence  of  the  sun  and  air,  by  taking  the  sashes  entirely  off. 
By  the  10th  of  June,  the  plants  may  be  turned  into  the  ground 
very  carefully,  so  that  the  roots  may  not  be  disturbed.  The 
ground  should  be  made  rich  with  well-rotted  manure;  the 
plants  should  be  placed  at  the  distance  of  one  foot,  or  a  foot 
and  a  half,  if  the  object  is  to  cover  a  wall  or  trellis.  I  have 
covered  a  trellis  by  the  middle  of  August,  twenty-five  feet  long 
and  five  high,  with  its  elegant  feathery  foliage,  so  as  to  form  a 
complete  screen.  The  flowers,  like  those  of  the  Morning 
Glory,  appear  in  the  morning  and  perish  before  noon.  They 
are  of  a  deep  crimson  color,  and  contrast  finely  with  the  rich 
green  of  the  leaves.  There  is  another  variety,  with  white 
flowers.  It  should  be  sheltered  from  the  northerly  winds  by 
a  fence,  trees,  or  buildings.  An  elegant  cone  may  be  made  by 
setting  a  straight  pole  substantially  into  the  ground,  eight  feet 
high  from  the  surface  ;  describe  a  circle  round  it,  whose  diam- 
eter shall  be  three  feet ;  let  about  ten  pots  of  plants  be  turned 
into  the  circle  ;  drive  down  a  stake  by  the  side  of  each,  nearly 
to  the  surface,  to  which  tie  a  strong  twine,  that  may  be  stained 
or  painted  green  ;  let  it  be  carried  to  the  top  of  the  pole  and  fast- 
ened there  ;  then  bring  it  down  to  the  next  stake,  and  so  on  until 
the  whole  is  completed.  With  a  little  assistance  the  vines  will 
climb  the  strings,  and  by  the  iniddle  of  August  will  be  at  the 


188  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

top  of  the  pole,  making  a  splendid  show,  more  than  paying  i  r 
all  the  trouble.  It  may  be  trained  over  an  arch,  or  any  othjr 
way  fancy  may  direct.  This  beautiful  vine  is  a  native  of  the 
Southern  States. 

I.  coccinea.  —  Scarlet  Morning  Glory.  —  A  handsome  species 
flowering  in  great  profusion  towards  the  close  of  the  season, 
growing  ten  feet  high ;  a  native  of  the  West  Indies.  The 
flowers  are  bright  scarlet  in  one  variety,  and,  in  another,  yellow 
and  quite  small ;  from  July  to  the  first  hard  frost.  The  seed 
may  be  sown  from  the  1st  to  the  10th  of  May,  or  treated  like 
the  Cypress  Vine. 

/.  lacunosa.  —  Starry  Ipomea.  —  This  is  also  a  handsome 
species ;  a  North  American  plant ;  culture  the  same  as  cocci- 
nea; with  delicate  blue  flowers,  from  July  to  September ;  ten  feet 
high.     There  is  also  a  variety  with  white  flowers. 

/.  nil  is  a  highly  beautiful  plant,  with  the  corollas  of  a  clear 
blue  color,  whence  its  name  anil,  or  nil,  (indigo) ;  treatment 
same  as  the  last,  and  flowering  the  same  time,  attaining  the 
same  height ;  a  North  American  plant. 


LATHYRUS. 

Sweet  Pea. 

"  Peas  of  all  kinds  diffuse  their  odorous  powers 
Where  Nature  pencils  butterflies  on  flowers." 

Lathyrus  odoratus  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful,  and  also  one 
of  the  most  fragrant,  of  the  species,  and  is  deservedly  one  of 
the  most  popular  annuals  which  enrich  the  flower-garden.  The 
varieties  are,  white,  rose,  scarlet,  purple,  black,  and  variegated. 
Each  variety  should  be  sown  by  itself,  in  circles  about  a  foot 
in  diameter,  three  or  four  feet  from  any  other  plant.  When  the 
young  plants  require  support,  a  light,  neat  stake,  or  rod,  should 
be  stuck  into  the  centre  of  the  circle,  to  which  they  should  be 
slightly  fastened  as  they  advance  in  height.     Some  are  in  the 


LASTHENIA LAVATERA  —  LEPTOSIPHON.  189 

habit  of  supporting  them  with  brush,  which  looks  very  un- 
sightly before  it  is  covered  with  the  vines. 

The  Sweet  Pea  will  grow  five  or  six  feet  high,  in  rich 
ground,  and  continue  in  bloom  from  July  to  October.  The 
seed  should  be  sown  as  soon  as  the  ground  is  in  order  in  the 

spring. 

— • — 

LASTHENIA. 

Lastkenia  glabrata.  —  A  yellow  flower,  from  California, 
somewhat  in  the  style  of  a  small  Sun-flower ;  not  likely  to 

become  very  popular. 

— • — 

LAVATERA. 

Lavateria,  —  in  memory  of  two  Lavaters,  physicians  of 
Zurich.  The  species  resemble  those  of  Malva,  in  general 
appearance  and  culture. 

L.  trimestris.  —  Common  Lavatera.  —  A  popular  hardy  an- 
nual, of  easy  culture,  and  handsome  appearance,  flowering  from 
July  to  September ;  one  variety  with  white,  and  another  with 
pink,  flowers  ;  two  feet  high. 

LEPTOSIPHON. 

Leptosiphon  avdrosaceus  —  Androsace-like  Leptosiphon. — 
The  name  of  the  genus  now  before  us  is  derived  from  the  Greek 
words  leptos,  slender,  and  siphon,  a  tube.  Its  application  is 
evident. 

This  is  a  very  pretty  hardy  annual,  of  humble  growth,  vary- 
ing, in  the  color  of  its  flowers,  from  white  to  pale  pink,  or  pur- 
ple. It  is  a  valuable  little  plant  for  flowering  early  in  the  sum- 
mer from  autumn-sown  seeds. 

The  physiologist  may  be  recommended  to  examine  the  leaves 
of  this  plant,  which  are  deeply  divided  into  segments,  always 
consisting  of  an  even  number,  as  four,  six,  eight,  &c. 


190  breck's  book  of  flowers. 


LIMNANTHUS. 

lAmymnthus  Douglassii.  —  'Six.  Douglass'  Limnanthes.  —  A 
native  of  California,  from  whence  it  was  sent  by  [Mr.  Douglass. 
The  plant  is  annual,  quite  hardy,  decumbent,  stems  growing 
ten  or  twelve  inches  long.  The  ends  are  cro^^'ned  with  nu- 
merous fragrant  flowers,  each  about  an  inch  across,  much 
resembling  in  size  and  form  the  2semophila  grandijiora.  A 
large  portion  of  the  flower  is  a  deep  yellow,  the  extremities  of 
the  petals  being  white.  It  blooms  from  June  to  August.  Lim- 
nanthes, from  lumen,  a  lake,  and  anthos,  a  flower;  the  plant, 
probably,  in  its  native  habitats,  growing  bj'  the  sides  of  lakes, 
rivers,  6cc. 


LOASA. 

A  curious  genus,  mostly  annuals,  remarkable  for  the  beauty 
of  their  singular  flowers,  and  as  remarkable  for  the  stinging 
appendages  of  the  plants. 

Loasa  ojcanthifolia  and  brionifolia.  —  These  are  elegant  yel- 
low flowers,  \exj  curious  in  their  structure  ;  but  the  plants  pos- 
sess one  quality  which  must  forever  banish  them  from  the 
pleasure  garden  ;  the  whole  plant  is  covered  with  hairs,  which, 
on  being  even  slightly  touched,  eject  a  poison  into  the  flesh, 
causing  a  painful  blister,  the  effect  of  which  does  not  pass  ofi" 
for  several  days. 

L.  lateritia.  —  Brick-red  Loasa.  —  It  is  a  native  of  South 
America  ;  a  climber,  growing  twelve  to  twenty  feet  in  a  sea- 
son. The  seed  should  be  so'mi  in  a  warm  border,  early  in 
May.  The  flowers  are  prettily  colored  between  a  brick-red  and 
orange  shade,  and  produced  in  profusion  through  the  summer 
and  autumn.  It  is  \exy  ornamental,  Avhen  properly  trained 
upon  a  trellis ;  but  it  w"ill  be  best  not  to  come  within  touching 
distance  of  the  plant  without  a  good  pair  of  gloves. 

L.  pentlandica  is  another  beautiful  species,  of  later  introduc- 


LOPHOSPEEJIXTM LTTPI>nJS.  191 

tion  than  the  last,  and  said  to  be  more  tender ;  this  is  also  a 
climbing  plant. 


LOPHOSPERMUM. 

Lophospermum  scandeTis.  —  Climbing  Lophosper.  —  This 
beautiful  climber  is  properly  a  green-house  perennial,  but  is 
sometimes  cultivated  as  an  annual ;  the  plants  flowering  the 
first  year  in  the  open  ground,  if  they  have  been  forwarded  in 
the  hot-bed.  The  flowers  are  funnel-shaped,  two  inches  or 
more  in  length,  of  a  duU  purple.  There  are  a  number  of 
other  varieties,  with  purple  or  crimson  flowers.  This  beautiful 
climber  is  found  growing  over  bushes,  making  a  splendid  ap- 
pearance, in  the  valley  of  Mexico.  A  variety,  or  species,  with 
white  flowers,  was  discovered  in  the  same  location. 


LUPINUS. 
Lupin. 

There  are  a  number  of  annual  Lupins  in  much  esteem  for 
their  velvet-like  leaves  and  fine  large  flowers,  all  of  vigorous 
growth  and  easy  to  cultivate.  The  seeds  should  be  planted  in 
April.  The  old  varieties  cultivated  are,  L.  pilosas,  rose  ;  L. 
albu^,  white  ;  L.  hirsutas,  great  blue  ;  and  L.  hdeus,  with  fine 
yellow  flowers ;  all  flowering  in  July  and  August. 

L.  varius  is  a  more  delicate  species,  with  smaller  foliage  and 
fine  blue  flowers  ;  in  bloom  the  same  time  as  the  others. 

L.  Hartwegii,  —  Hartweg's  Lupin,  —  is  one  of  the  most  beau- 
tiful of  all  the  species,  with  delicate  foliage  and  numerous  dense 
spikes  of  rich  blue  flowers ;  in  flower  from  July  to  September ; 
from  one  to  one  and  a  half  foot  high,  suitable  for  planting  in 
masses. 

L.  Cridkshanki.  —  Cniikshank's  Lupin.  —  This  is  an  elegant 


192  breck's  book  of  flowejrs. 

species,  growing  from  two  to  three  feet  high,  with  large  spikes 
of  white  flowers,  shaded  with  yellow,  and  blue  or  purple. 

The  whole  family  flower  better  in  a  lean  soil  than  in  a  rich 
one. 


MADIA. 

Madia  elegans.  —  Elegant  Madia.  —  A  pretty  annual,  of 
recent  introduction.  The  seeds  should  be  planted  in  the  bor- 
der in  May.  If  the  plants  can  have  a  shady  location,  it  will 
be  much  the  best,  as  the  bright  sunshine  causes  the  petals  of 
the  flower  to  curl  up,  thus  destroying  much  of  their  beauty. 
The  flowers  are  large,  with  yellow  rays  and  brown  disk.  Early 
in  the  morning,  or  just  at  night,  the  blossoms  appear  exceeding 
splendid  ;  about  two  feet  high. 


MALOPE. 

Malope  grandiflorum.  —  Grand  Flowering  Malope.  —  This 
very  showy  plant  is  of  the  Mallow  tribe ;  grows  two  feet  to 
two  feet  six  inches  high.  The  flowers  are  produced  in  great 
abundance,  and,  being  of  a  fine  rosy-crimson,  make  a  very  gay 
appearance,  rendering  it  a  desirable  plant  for  giving  a  distant 
attracting  effect.  It  blooms  from  June  to  the  end  of  October, 
unless  cut  off"  by  frost.  Seed  should  be  sown  in  pots  early  in 
March,  and  be  raised  in  a  hot-bed  ;  or  may  be  sown  upon  a  hot- 
bed, under  a  frame  or  hand-glass.  The  plants  may  be  set  out 
in  the  open  border  by  the  middle  of  May. 

M.  grandijlora  alba.  —  A  variety  with  white  flowers,  but 
rather  more  delicate  in  its  habits  than  the  other  variety. 
Both  of  the  varieties  are  better  grown  in  a  green-house,  but 
are  perfectly  hardy.  The  plant  blooms  most  profusely  in  a 
good  loamy  soil,  mixed  with  a  little  manure  or  leaf-mould.  If 
the  soil  be  very  rich,  the  plant  will  be  liable  to  grow  too  vigor- 
ously, and   produce  a  vast   profusion  of   foliage,  which  will 


BLAURANDIA MARTYNEA.  193 

rather  conceal  the  flowers ;  but  if  moderately  enriched,  it  will 
produce  one  mass  of  bloom.  I  find  it  profitable  to  give  all  my 
flower-beds  an  addition  of  fresh  soil  every  winter,  generally 
adding  about  two  or  three  inches  deep.  If  the  Malope  grandi- 
Jlora  is  not  desired  to  come  into  bloom  before  the  beginning  of 
August,  the  seed  may  be  sown  in  April  or  May,  in  the  open 
border  where  it  is  desired  that  the  plants  shall  blossom.  The 
plant  produces  seed  in  abundance,  which  ripen  well  from  plants 
that  bloom  early  in  the  summer. 


MAURANDIA. 

Maurandia  Barclayayia  is  an  elegant  green-house,  climbing 
perennial,  but  may  be  raised  from  seed,  and  brought  forward  in 
a  frame,  so  as  to  flower  profusely  from  August  to  October,  or  till 
severe  frosts  later  in  the  season.  Plants  may  be  had  at  most 
green-houses,  at  small  expense,  which,  put  out  in  the  border 
with  a  little  frame  to  which  to  attach  its  tendrils,  will  be  loaded 
with  its  rich,  purple,  foxglove-shaped  flowers,  every  day 
through  the  season.  There  are  a  number  of  other  varieties, 
all  handsome.  The  plants  will  grow  from  five  to  ten  feet 
high. 


MARTYNEA. 

Unicorn  Plant. 

Handsome  tropical  annuals,  remarkable  for  the  size  of  their 
flowers,  compared  with  their  leaves. 

Martynea  proboscidea.  — Common  Martynea. — This  plant 
is  often  cultivated  in  vegetable  gardens  for  its  capsules,  which, 
when  green  and  tender,  make  a  fine  pickle.  It  is  also  a 
curious  plant  for  the  border,  on  account  of  its  large  flowers  ; 
but  more  particularly  for  its  singularly  curious  seed-vessels. 

M.  fragrans.  —  Fragrant  Martynea.  —  This  is  a  beautiful 
new  annual,  that  succeeds  very  well  when  sown  in  the  open 
17 


194  BRECK's    book    of    FLO\ArERS. 

border  the  10th  of  May,  It  is  undoubtedly  one  of  the  finest 
species  of  the  tribe  ;  no  other  one  will  compare  with  it.  It  is 
robust  in  its  habit,  throwing  out  large  lateral  branches,  the 
plant  growing  three  feet  high,  producing  an  immense  profusion 
of  flowers  from  the  first  of  August  till  destroyed  by  frost.  The 
flowers  are  large,  resembling  the  Gloxiiiia,  thick-set  on  spikes, 
and  are  of  a  delicate  rosy  lilac,  blotched  and  shaded  with  bright 
crimson,  with  an  agreeable  odor.  The  foliage  is  thick,  more 
soft  and  velvety  than  the  above-described  species.  The  seed- 
capsules  add  much  to  the  appearance  of  the  plant. 


MATHIOLA. 

Gillyflower. 

This  genus  contains  many  beautiful  species  and  varieties 
of  plants,  with  fragrant,  handsome  flowers,  which  have  been  so 
much  hybridized  by  florists,  that  it  would  puzzle  a  botanist  to 
define  the  species  in  most  of  the  cultivated  sorts.  The  Ger- 
man stocks  are  very  much  celebrated  for  the  great  variety  of 
their  color  and  size  of  their  flowers. 

I  give  Cobbett's  description  and  mode  of  cultivation  of  this 
fine  tribe :  — 

"  If  I  were  to  choose  amongst  all  the  biennials  and  annuals, 
I  should  certainly  choose  the  Stock.  Elegant  leaf,  elegant 
plant,  beautiful,  showy,  and  most  fragrant  flower ;  and,  with 
suitable  attention,  blooms,  even  in  the  natural  ground,  from  May 
to  November  in  England,  and  from  June  to  November  here. 

"  The  annuals  are  called  the  Ten  Week  Stocks.  And  of 
these  there  are,  with  a  pea-green  leaf,  the  red,  white,  purple, 
and  scarlet ;  and  then,  there  are  all  the  same  colors  with  a 
wall  flower,  or  sea-green  leaf. 

"  Of  the  biennials,  there  are  the  Brompton,  of  which  there 
are  the  scarlet  and  the  white ;  and  the  Twickenham,  which  is 
purple. 

"  As  to  propagation,  it  is  of  course  by  seed  only.     If  there 


ME  Die  AGO. 


195 


be  nothing  but  the  natural  ground  to  rely  on,  the  sowing  must 
be  early  ;  the  earth  very  fine  and  rich.  The  seed  is  small  and 
thin,  and  does  not  easily  come  up  in  coarse  earth.  If  the 
plants  come  up  thick,  thin  them  when  very  young,  and 
do  not  leave  them  nearer  together  than  six  inches.  They,  how- 
ever, transplant  very  well ;  and  those  that  have  not  place  to 
blow  in,  may  be  removed,  and  a  succession  of  bloom  thus 
secured. 

"  If  you  have  a  green-house,  glass-frame,  or  hand-glass,  you 
get  flowers  six  weeks  earlier.  The  biennials  are  sown  at  the 
same  time,  and  treated  in  the  same  way. 

"  They  blow  the  second  year ;  but  if  there  be  great  difficulty 
in  preserving  them  in  the  natural  ground,  through  the  winter, 
in  England,  what  must  it  be  here  ?  Indeed,  it  cannot  be  done  ; 
and  yet  they  are  so  fine,  so  lofty,  and  such  masses  of  beautiful 
and  fragrant  flowers,  and  they  continue  so  long  in  bloom,  that 
they  are  worth  any  care  and  any  trouble.  There  is  but  one 
way  ;  the  plants,  when  they  get  ten  or  a  dozen  leaves,  must  be 
put  into  flower-pots. 

"  These  may  be  sunk  in  the  earth,  in  the  open  ground,  till 
November,  [Long  Island,]  and  when  the  sharp  frosts  come,  the 
pots  must  be  taken  up  and  placed  out  of  the  reach  of  hard 
frosts,  and  where  there  is,  however,  sun  and  air.  When  the 
spring  comes,  the  pots  may  be  put  out  into  the  natural  ground 
again  ;  or,  which  is  better,  the  balls  of  earth  may  be  put  into  a 
hole  made  for  the  purpose  ;  and  thus  the  plants  will  be  in  the 
natural  ground,  to  blow. 

"  In  this  country,  they  should  be  placed  in  the  shade  when 
put  out  again,  for  a  very  hot  sun  is  apt  to  tarnish  the  bloom." 


MEDICAGO, 


Medicago   sativa   is  the   Lucerne,  a  valuable   agricultural 
plant.     The  following  species  are  cultivated  on  account  of  their 


196  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

curious  seed-vessels,  and  not  for  their  flowers,  which  are 
inferior. 

M.  scutellata.  —  Snails.  —  An  annual.  It  has  curious  seed- 
pods,  which  resemble  a  snail,  and  is  generally  known  by  the 
name  of  Snails. 

M.  intertexta,  —  Hedge-hog,  —  is  an  annual,  cultivated  for 
its  curious  seed-vessels.     Flowers  yellow,  in  July  and  August. 

M.  circinatus,  —  Caterpillar,  —  is  also  a  very  curious 
annual.  The  seed-pods  have  the  appearance  of  caterpillars ; 
flowers  yellow,  of  no  beauty ;  in  June  and  July. 


MESEMBRYANTHEMUM. 

Ice  Plant. 

"  With  pellucid  studs  the  Ice-flower  gems 
His  rimy  foliage,  aad  his  candied  stems." 

M.  cordifolium.  —  Common  Ice  Plant.  —  This  is  a  singular 
tender  annual  plant,  with  thick,  fleshy  leaves,  that  have  the 
appearance  of  being  covered  with  crystals  of  ice.  It  succeeds 
well  in  the  open  border,  when  forwarded  in  small  pots,  in  light 
sandy  soil,  in  a  hot-bed.  When  the  young  seedlings  have 
obtained  sufficient  size,  they  should  be  shifted  into  larger  pots, 
in  the  same  kind  of  soil  in  which  the  seeds  were  so^vn.  They 
may  be  grown  in  pots,  or  turned  out  in  the  open  ground  in 
June.  The  plants  are  highly  ornamental,  and  contrast  well 
with  other  annuals.     There  is  not  much  beauty  in  the  flowers. 


MIMOSA. 

Mimosa  sensitiva,  —  Sensitive  Plant,  —  is  a  well-known 
annual,  from  Brazil.  It  succeeds  in  the  border  during  the 
summer  months,  if  the  seed  is  sown,  in  March  or  April,  in  a 
hot-bed,  and  the  plants  forwarded  in  pots,  and  turned  out  in 


MIMULUS.  197 

June.     Thus  treated,  it  will  flourish,  and  ripen  seeds  in  favor- 
able seasons,  and  grow  to  a  large  size. 

This  singular  plant  calls  forth  universal  admiration.  It  has 
been  a  puzzle  to  many  a  philosopher.  The  cause  of  its  sensi- 
tiveness has  lately  been  more  satisfactorily  explained,  yet  it  is 
still  shrouded  in  mystery.  The  plant  is  most  irritable  in  the 
greatest  heat.     Dr.  Darwin  thus  characterizes  it :  — 

"Weak  with  nice  sense  the  chaste  Mimosa  stands, 
From  each  rude  touch  withdraws  her  tender  hands  ; 
Oft,  as  light  clouds  o'erpass  the  summer  glade, 
Alarmed,  she  trembles  at  the  moving  shade, 
And  feels,  alive  through  all  her  tender  form. 
The  whispered  murmurs  of  the  gathering  storm  ; 
Shuts  her  sweet  eye-lids  to  approaching  night. 
And  haiis,  with  freshened  charms,  the  rising  light." 


MIMULUS. 

Monkey  Flower. 

The  species  are  showy  plants,  of  the  easiest  culture,  in 
almost  any  soil  or  situation  not  over  dry. 

They  are  perennials  in  the  green-house,  where  they  are 
easily  propagated  from  cuttings.  In  the  open  ground  they 
are  annuals,  flowering  profusely  the  same  season,  from  seed. 
I  have  known  them  stand  through  the  winter,  in  a  moist  place, 
that  was  covered  with  ice  the  most  of  the  season. 

The  seeds  are  almost  as  fine  as  dust,  and  require  consider- 
able attention  to  get  them  up, 

I  have  found  seeds,  self-sown  in  the  autumn,  to  come  up 
freely  in  the  spring,  commencing  flowering  in  June,  and  con- 
tinuing in  bloom  till  October. 

They  seem  to  succeed  best  in  a  moist  and  rather  shaded 
place. 

Mirmdus  rivularis  has  the  reputation  of  producing  a  great 
number  of  beautiful  species,  (as  we  are  informed  by  an  English 
17* 


198  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

periodical),  "  as  Youngii,  Smithii,  Elpkinstonea,  Rowsoneana, 
Wheelariana,  RanbyaTia,  &c.  This  plant  delights  in  a  rich, 
moist  soil,  mixed  with  sand,  and  if  it  be  a  little  shady  it  is 
beneficial ;  the  colors  of  the  flower  are  better,  and  the  plant 
more  vigorous.  A  free  supply  of  water  is  necessary,  in  order 
to  grow  this  successfully,  I  have  had  a  single  plant  grow 
three  feet  and  a  half  high,  and  be  six  feet  in  circumference, 
producing  a  vast  profusion  of  flowers,  most  amply  repaying  the 
little  extra  attention  paid  to  its  culture.  When  I  obtained  this 
plant  at  first,  I  was  instructed  to  grow  it  in  a  small,  shallow 
pond,  keeping  the  roots  immersed  in  water.  I  was  told  it 
would  there  succeed  far  better  than  by  any  other  method ;  but 
in  this  particular  I  find  it  very  much  to  the  contrary.  A  soil 
as  above  described,  and  a  good  supply  of  water  in  dry  weather, 
are  all  that  is  required.  I  had  a  plant  of  M.  Elphinstonea, 
grown  in  a  pot  this  summer,  the  size  above  particularized. 
The  species  and  all  its  varieties  are  readily  increased  by  taking 
off  rooted  shoots,  or  by  cuttings.  Seed  sown  in  spring,  and 
the  plants  pricked  out  into  a  bed  of  rich  soil,  will  flower  by 
July,  and  continue  through  the  season.  The  impregnation  of 
these  kinds,  with  any  or  all  of  the  others,  produces  a  pleasing 
and  interesting  variation  of  flowers. " 

The  flowers  are  tubular,  with  fine,  wide-spreading  segments; 
the  ground  color,  all  shades  of  yellow,  from  light  straw  to  deep 
orange,  beautifully  spotted  or  blotched  with  crimson  or  scarlet. 
On  some  varieties  there  is  a  large  blotch  or  spot  on  each  seg- 
ment of  the  corolla,  while  the  throat  of  the  plant  is  beautifully 
spotted  or  mottled.  It  is  a  flower  very  much  given  to 
sporting. 

M.  cardiyialis  is  another  very  ornamental  species,  with  bril- 
liant scarlet  flowers,  with  varieties  having  rose  or  orange- 
colored  blossoms.  It  requires  the  same  treatment  as  the  other 
varieties,  and  is  equally  rapid  in  its  growth.  I  have  not,  how- 
ever, ever  raised  plants  as  large  as  the  one  described  above. 

M.  moschaliis.  —  Musk-scented.  —  This  is  Avell  known  as 
the  Musk  Plant.     It  is  dwarf  in  its  habit,  with  small  yellow 


MIRABILIS  —  MOMORDICA.  199 

flowers,  requiring  the  same  soil  and  treatment  as  with  the 
other  sptcies  and  varieties. 

There  are   many  other  species  or  varieties  of  this  curious 
plant,  all  pretty. 


MIRABILIS. 

Marvel  of  Peru. 

Mirabilis  is  a  Latin-  word,  signifying  something  wonderful  or 
admirable,  and  applied  with  some  reason. 

M.  jalapa,  or  common  Four-o'clock  of  the  gardens,  is  a  very 
ornamental  plant  for  borders.  When  cultivated  it  sports  into 
many  agreeable  varieties. 

It  is  considered  and  treated  as  a  tender  annual.  It  may, 
however,  be  planted  the  last  of  April,  and  bears  a  profusion  of 
flowers  in  August  and  September.  Although  treated  as  an 
annual,  it  is,  in  its  native  country,  a  perennial,  with  the  rest 
of  the  species.  Its  large  tuberous  roots,  if  taken  up  and  pre- 
served during  winter,  like  the  Dahlia,  will  flower  perennially. 
The  flowers  are  red  in  its  native  country,  the  West  Indies ;  but 
in  the  garden  are  to  be  found  white,  yellow,  various  shades  of 
red,  and  variegated  flowers.  The  powder  of  these  roots,  washed, 
scraped,  and  dried,  is  one  of  the  substances  which  form  the 
jalap  of  druggists.     Stem  two  to  three  feet  high. 

M.  longijlora,  like  the  last,  is  handsome  and  fragrant.  The 
flowers  are  pure  white,  with  purple  bottom,  standing  on  long 
tubes  ;  in  July  and  August. 


MOMORDICA 


M.  halsamina,  or  Balsam  Apple,  is  cultivated  as  an  object  of 
curiosity,  and  for  its  fruit,  which  is  considered  excellent,  by 
those  who  are  in  the  habit  of  using  it,  for  curing  wounds. 

It  has  fleshy,  ovate  fruit,  remotely  tubercled  in  longitudinal 


200  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

rows;  smooth  in  the  other  parts;  red  when  ripe,  bursting 
irregularly,  and  dispersing  the  seeds  with  a  spring.      « 

The  fruit  is  used  in  Syria  for  the  same  purpose  that  it  is 
here.  They  cut  it  open  when  unripe,  and  infuse  it  in  sweet 
oil,  exposed  to  the  sun  for  some  days,  until  the  oil  has  become 
red.  This,  dropped  on  cotton,  is  applied  to  a  fresh  wound. 
The  fruit  here  is  not  picked  until  ripe,  and  then  preserved  in 
spirit.  A  piece  of  the  fruit  is  bound  upon  a  fresh  wound, 
which  is  considered  efficacious.  A  native  of  India;  tender 
annual ;  a  climber  four  feet  high  ;  flowers  yellow,  in  July  and 
August ;  time  for  planting  in  May. 

M.  charantia.  —  Balsam  Pear.  —  Like  the  last,  a  tender 
annual,  the  same  height  and  color  of  flower ;  growth  and  habits 
the  same.  Fruit  fleshy,  oblong,  acuminate,  angular-waisted ; 
from  the  East  Indies,  This  and  the  preceding  must  be  sup- 
ported with  stout  brush,  four  feet  high. 


M  TO  S  OTIS. 
Fo7-get-me-not. 

Myosotis,  —  so  named  from  Greek  words  signifying  a  "  rat's 
ear."  Its  oval,  velvety  leaves  are  like  the  ear  of  a  rat  or 
mouse. 

M.  arvensis  is  a  well  kno^^Tl  sentimental  plant,  bearing  very 
delicate  blue  flowers,  with  white  and  yellow  eyes,  in  little 
spikes  or  clusters,  most  of  the  season ;  six  inches  high. 

It  flourishes  best  in  a  moist,  shady  place.  Propagated  freely 
from  seeds.     Autumn-sown  plants  succeed  best. 


NEMOrHILA, 


Nemopkila  insignis,  —  Opposite-leaved  Insignis,  —  is  an  ele- 
gant hardy  annual,  producing  brilliant  blue  flowers,  on  stems 
six  or  eight  inches  high. 


NIGELLA NOLANA.  201 

Self-sown  seeds  produce  plants  that  flower  in  May,  and 
continue  a  long  time  in  bloom  if  in  a  shady  situation.  They 
will  not  flourish  if  exposed  to  the  hot  sun. 

JY.  aurita.  —  Ear-leaved  Nemophila.  —  A  hardy  annual, 
with  purplish-blue  flowers. 

N.  atomaria,  —  Dotted-flowered  Nemophila,  —  resembles 
N.  insignis,  but  differs  in  its  white  flowers,  which  are  thickly 
dotted  with  dark  purple.     All  the  species  are  dwarf. 

N.  maculata,  —  Spotted  Nemophila,  —  is  a  spotted  variety 
of  visignis,  of  great  beauty,  but  not  common. 


NIGELLA. 

Love  in  a  Mist. 

Nigella,  from  niger,  black,  because  of  the  color  of  the  seeds, 
which  are  the  parts  of  the  plant  used  in  cookery.  The  species 
are  curious  or  neat  little  plants,  with  fine-cut  leaves,  like 
fennel.  iV.  damasceiia  and  sativa  are  hardy  annuals.  In 
some  parts  of  Europe,  the  leaves  and  seed  of  the  latter 
species,  and  N.  arvensis,  are  used  in  cookery,  instead  of  more 
expensive  aromatics.  They  are  also  said  to  be  extensively 
used  in  the  adulteration  of  pepper. 

N.  damascena  is  from  the  south  of  Europe ;  two  feet  high, 
with  light-blue  flowers,  from  June  to  September. 

Flowers  in  a  leafy  involucre. 


NOLANA. 

Nolana  is  a  diminution  of  7iola,  signifying  a  bell  in  low 
Latin.  The  name  has  been  applied  to  this  plant  on  account 
of  its  bell-shaped  corolla.  The  species  are  hardy  annuals, 
of  beautiful  appearance  when  in  flower. 

Nolana  prostrata.  —  Trailing  Nolana.  —  Elegant  annual  from 


202  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

Peru.  Its  specific  name,  prostrata,  from  the  manner  of  grow- 
ing. Tiie  stems  are  prostrate,  much  branching,  and  covered 
with  a  profusion  of  flatfish,  bell-shaped  flowers,  of  a  fine  blue 
streaked  with  black,  from  July  to  September.  It  may  be  sown 
early  in  the  spring  in  the  border. 

Nolana  atriplicifolia.  —  A  new  and  very  handsome  flower- 
ing annual,  of  prostrate  growth,  or,  if  grown  in  masses,  will 
rise  to  half  a  foot  high.  The  flowers  are  produced  most 
numerously,  and  give  a  very  pretty  appearance.  The  plant 
deserves  a  place  in  every  flower-garden.  It  is  a  desirable  plant 
to  grow  in  order  to  hang  pendulous  over  the  edge  of  a  vase, 
pot,  &c.,  contrasting  with  Verbena  melhidres. 

The  flowers  have  some  resemblance  to  the  Dwarf  Convol- 
vulus, [Convolvulus  minor,)  fine  azure-blue  with  a  white  centre, 
the  bottom  or  tube  of  the  flower  yellow.  J.  B. 


0  C  Y  M  U  N . 
Basil. 

Ocynmn  hasilicum.  —  Sweet  Basil.  —  This  highly  odorifer- 
ous plant  is  frequently  known  in  country  gardens,  under  the 
name  of  Lavender.  The  true  Lavender  is  a  half-hardy  shrub. 
Sweet  Basil  is  used  in  French  cookery.  It  is  a  very  agreeable 
plant  to  have  in  the  garden.  The  seed  should  be  sown  in 
May. 


(ENOTHERA. 

Evening  Primrose. 

"  A  tuft  of  Evening  Primroses, 
O'er  which  the  wind  may  hover  till  it  dozes  ; 
O'er  which  it  vsrell  might  take  a  pleasant  sleep, 
But  it  is  ever  startled  by  the  leap  ^ 

Of  buds  into  ripe  flowers." 

A  family  of  plants  which  open  their  blossoms  as  dew  begins 
to  fall,  and  generally  handsome  border  flowers.     O.  Lindley- 


PAPAVER.  203 

ana  and  others  have  been  separated  from  this  genus,  and  now 
classed  with  Goodetias. 

O.  grandijloi-a,  —  Great-flowered  Evening  Primrose,  —  is  a 
handsome  border  annual,  with  yellow  flowers,  from  July  to 
October.     Four  feet  high.     A  native  of  North  America. 

O.  nocturna.  —  Night-smelling  Primrose.  —  An  elegant  half- 
hardy  biennial  from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  Flowers  pro- 
fusely the  first  season,  and  may  be  considered  and  .treated  in 
open  air  culture  as  a  hardy  annual,  having  a  succession  of 
yellow  flowers  from  July  to  October.     Two  feet  high. 

O.  tetraptera.  —  White-flowered  Evening  Primrose.  —  A 
very  beautiful  prostrate-growing,  hardy  annual  from  Mexico. 
One  foot  high,  with  a  succession  of  pure  white  flowers  from 
July  to  September,  which  make  their  appearance  after  the  sun 
has  descended  the  horizon,  and  perish  before  it  rises  in  the 
morning. 

O.  longiflora,  an  elegant  biennial,  if  the  roots  can  be  pre- 
served through  the  winter,  but  generally  cultivated  as  an 
annual,  with  uncommonly  large  and  showy  yellow  flowers  from 
July  to  October.    A  native  of  Buenos  Ayres.    Three  feet  high. 


PAPAVER. 

Poppy. 

"And  the  poppies  red, 
On  their  wistful  bed, 
Turn  up  their  dark  blue  eyes  to  thee." 

Papaver  rhosas.  —  Corn  Poppy,  or  African  Rose.  —  The  spe- 
cific name  is  from  Greek,  signifying  to  flow  or  fall,  in  allusion 
to  the  quickly  perishable  nature  of  the  flowers.  It  is  a  common 
weed  among  grain  on  gravelly  soils  in  England ;  but,  in  its 
double  and  semi-double  varieties,  it  is  one  of  the  handsomest 
of  garden  annuals ;  sporting  in  a  thousand  different  varieties 
of  scarlet,  crimson,  purple,  pink,  white,  variegated,  and  parti- 


204  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

colored  flowers,  and  continuing  all  the  summer  in  bloom.  It  is 
frequently  known  by  the  name  of  the  African  Rose.  The  odor 
of  the  flower  renders  it  unpopular;  nothing  can  exceed  the 
beauty  and  delicacy  of  the  flower. 

P.  somniferum.  —  Opium  Poppy.  —  The  true  Opium  Poppy 
has  very  large  capsules.  The  flowers  are  white,  of  extra  size. 
Another  variety  has  dall-purple  flowers.  The  double  varieties 
are  handsome,  and,  were  it  not  for  their  bad  odor  and  sleepy 
properties,  would  be  more  highly  appreciated  in  the  flower- 
garden.  A  bed  of  full  double  Poppies,  of  scarlet,  crimson, 
purple,  white  and  variegated,  makes  a  grand  show. 

Picotee  Poppies  are  improved  varieties  with  white  flowers, 
spotted  or  splashed  with  crimson  or  scarlet,  and  very  hand- 
some. All  the  varieties  are  easily  cultivated.  None  of  them 
can  be  transplanted  with  success. 


PETUNIA. 

Petunia  PhoRnecia.  —  An  ever-blooming  hardy  annual,  now 
well  known,  but  not  many  years  an  inhabitant  of  our  flower- 
gardens.     Flowers  purple ;  from  June  to  November. 

P.  nictagynajlora  has  large  white  flowers,  coarser  in  its 
growth  than  the  last,  but  of  the  same  spreading  habit. 

From  these  two  species  have  been  produced  innumerable 
improved  varieties,  which  can  be  perpetuated  only  by  cuttings 
or  layers,  and  kept  in  the  green-house  through  the  winter. 
Seedlings  will  vary  essentially  from  the  parent  plant. 

These  varieties  are  various  shades  of  white,  rose  or  light- 
purple,  beautifully  veined,  striped  or  shaded  with  crimson  or 
purple,  with  dark  throats. 

Single  plants  should  be  trained  to  a  trellis  or  frame-work, 
and  will  grow  three  or  four  feet  high.  Planted  in  masses, 
they  present  an  ever-blooming,  beautiful  sight.  The  plants 
are  repulsive  to  the  smell,  and  unpleasant  to  the  touch,  as  the 
stems  and  leaves  are  covered  with  a  viscid  substance. 


PHLOX  —  THASEOLUS  —  TLATYSTEMON.  201 


PHLOX. 

The  only  annual  Phlox  with  which  we  are  acquainted  is 
Phlox  Drum7no7idii,  and  this,  in  all  its  varieties,  is  worthy  of  a 
place  in  every  garden.  It  is  perfectly  hardy.  When  planted 
in  masses,  no  plant  is  more  showy.  The  varieties  are  scarlet, 
crimson,  purple,  white,  and  pink,  variegated  with  all  inter- 
mediate shades. 

It  grows  about  one  foot  high.  To  have  a  constant  bloom  of 
this  beautiful  flower  all  the  season,  seed  should  be  sown  in 
autumn,  in  the  hot-bed  in  April,  and  in  the  open  ground  in 
June.  If  the  plants  are  put  out  six  inches  distant  from  each 
other,  they  will  form  a  compact  mass,  and  amply  repay  all  the 
care  and  trouble  of  cultivation. 

The  plants  are  low  and  spreading,  about  one  foot  high. 


PHASEOLUS. 

Phaseolus  multijlorrus.  —  Scarlet-flowering  Bean.  —  This  is 
a  popular  climbing  annual,  with  spikes  of  showy  scarlet  flow- 
ers, and  a  variety  with  white  flowers.  They  are  extensively 
cultivated  to  cover  arbors,  walls,  or  to  form  screens,  for  which 
purpose  they  are  admirably  adapted,  on  account  of  their  vigor- 
ous and  rapid  growth. 

Plant  the  beans  the  middle  of  May. 


PLATYSTEMON. 

Platystemon  Cedifornicus.  —  It  is  a  hardy  annual,  of  con- 
siderable beauty,  growing  in  any  light,  loamy  soil,  and  readily 
increased  by  seeds,  which  it  perfects  freely  in  the  open  border. 

It  is  one  of  the  many  interesting  discoveries  of  Mr.  Douglass, 
to  whom  our  collections  are  indebted  for  its  introduction. 
18 


breck's  book  of  flowers. 

Platystemon  lineare.  —  Linear-leaved  Platystemon.  — One  of 
the  prettiest  of  all  little  annuals,  with  its  graceful  cups  of  white 
and  yellow,  resembling  those  of  a  Ranunculus,  but  far  more  gay. 

It  is  a  native  of  California,  where  it  was  originally  found  by 
Douglass,  who,  however,  sent  home  no  seed. 


PORTULACCA. 

Every  person  who  has  had  any  experience  in  the  garden  is 
too  well  acquainted  with  the  weed  Purslane,  or  Pursly,  and 
would  gladly  see  an  extermination,  not  only  of  that  plant, 
but  all  its  kindred.  It  is  indeed  a  troublesome  weed  ;  but  no 
one  should  be  condemned  because  he  happens  to  have  bad 
relations,  nor  should  Portulacca  splendens,  although  a  splendid 
Purslane.  In  speaking  of  it  we  leave  off  the  Purslane,  and  call 
it  the  Splendid  Portulacca,  for,  were  its  family  connections  gen- 
erally known,  we  should  fear  it  might  not  receive  the  attention 
it  deserves  ;  for,  truly,  it  is  a  great  acquisition  to  the  flower- 
garden,  and  no  plant  presents  a  more  brilliant  show  than  this, 
when  planted  in  masses.  The  flowers  are  rosy-crimson,  large 
and  beautiful,  opening  with  the  bright  morning  sun.  It  makes 
a  rich  bed  from  July  to  October.  The  plant  is  dwarf  and  trail- 
ing ;  leaves  small ;  about  six  inches  high.  All  the  other 
varieties  have  the  same  habit,  and  equally  beautiful. 

Porlulaccathelhtsoni,  —  Scarlet  Portulacca,  —  is  exactly  like 
the  last,  with  brilliant  scarlet  flowers. 

Portulacca,  var.  lut.ea,  —  the  same,  with  fine  yellow  flowers, 
and  brown  centre. 

Portulacca,  var.  alba,  —  the  same,  with  white  flowers,  often 
sporting  to  white  with  pink  stripes  ;  all  the  varieties  are  per- 
fectly hardy,  sowing  themselves  in  autumn  ;  only  requiring  to 
be  thinned  out  in  the  spring,  or  transplanted  to  beds  or  wher- 
ever wanted. 


RESEDA RHODANTIIE  —  SALPIGLOSSIS.  207 

RESEDA. 

Mig?ionette. 

"  No  gorgeous  flowers  the  meek  Reseda  grace, 
Yet  sip  with  eager  trunk  yon  busy  race 
Her  simple  cup,  nor  heed  the  dazzling  gem 
That  beams  in  Fritillaria's  diadem." 

Reseda  odorata.  —  Common  Mignonette.  —  This  fragrant 
hardy  annual  is  too  well  known  to  need  any  description.  A 
bed  of  it  should  be  found  in  every  garden.  It  continues  to 
bloom  and  send  forth  its  sweetness  all  the  season,  perfuming 
the  whole  region  about  the  premises.  Self-sown  plants  begin 
to  produce  flowers  in  June.  The  plants  are  in  great  demand 
in  and  about  London  and  other  great  cities,  being  sold  in  pots 
and  in  bouquets.  Some  idea  of  the  extent  of  its  cultivation 
may  be  derived  from  the  fact,  which  I  heard  from  a  creditable 
London  seedsman,  that  he  alone  sold  a  ton  and  a  half  of  the 
seed  yearly. 


RHODANTHE. 

Rhodantke  Manglesii.  —  A  most  delightful  plant,  from  the 
new  English  colony  at  Swan  River;  it  is  one  of  the  tribe  called 
everlasting,  from  its  remaining  perfect  throughout  the  winter, 
if  gathered  when  in  bloom,  and  resembles  the  Helichrysum.  A 
plant  exhibited  at  a  meeting  of  the  London  Horticultural 
Society,  measured  from  eighteen  inches  to  two  feet  in  height, 
and  was  covered  with  hundreds  of  open  flowers,  and  expanded 
rosy  buds  ;  it  remained  in  blossom  three  months. 


SALPIGLOSSIS. 


Salpiglossis,  from  two  Greek  words,  signifying  a  trumpet 
and  a  tongue,  in  allusion  to  the  tubular,  yet  tongue-shaped,  ex- 
tremity of  the  style. 


208  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

The  genus  contains  many  varieties  of  ornamental  plants, 
originally  from  Chili. 

In  their  native  habitats  they  are  perennials ;  but  here  a  bien- 
nial in  the  green-house,  or  a  tender  annual  in  the  open  air. 
They  succeed  finely  if  the  plants  are  started  in  a  frame,  flower- 
ing in  July  and  August ;  from  one  and  a  half  to  two  feet  high. 

Salpiglossis  atropurptirea  is  extremely  beautiful;  bemg 
altogether  of  a  fine,  rich,  dark-velvety  puce  color.  The  flowers 
of  all  the  varieties  are  funnel-shaped,  something  after  the  fash- 
ion of  the  Petunia,  but  not  so  broad. 

S.  straminea  has  pure  yellow  flowers. 

S.  Barclayana  and  hybrida  are  iron-brown,  and  yellow 
veined  with  brown. 

S.  sintiata,  flowers  dark  blood  color,  veined  or  striped.  S. 
picta  has  beautiful  striped  flowers. 

The  best  soil  is  a  mixture  of  loam  and  sand,  enriched  with 
rotted  horse-manure  and  a  little  leaf  mould.  In  a  heavy  gar- 
den soil  it  will  not  succeed  so  well. 

The  green-house  is  the  proper  situation  for  this  pretty  flower. 


SCABIOSA. 

Scabious. 

' '  The  Scabious  blooms  in  sad  array, 
A  mourner  in  her  spring." 

Scabiosa  atropurpurea.  —  Mourning  Bride.  —  A  hardy  orna- 
mental plant,  suitable  for  the  border ;  it  may  be  sown  any  time 
in  May,  and  will  produce  its  flowers  from  July  to  October ;  two 
feet  high.  There  is  a  great  variety  in  the  flowers  of  different 
plants ;  some  of  them  are  almost  black ;  others  a  dark  puce 
purple,  and  various  shades,  down  to  lilac;  they  are  produced  in 
heads. 


SCHIZANTHUS SCHIZOPETALON.  209. 


SCHIZANTHUS. 

Schizanthus,  from  Greek  words  to  cut,  and  a  fiower,  in 
allusion  to  the  numerous  divisions  of  its  beautiful  purple  and 
yellow  flowers.  Tender  annual  plants,  with  finely  cut  pale- 
green  leaves  and  terminal  panicles  of  elegant  flowers. 

Schizanthus  pinnatus,  —  Pinnate-leaved  Schizanthus, — is  one 
of  the  most  common  species,  from  which  a  number  of  beautiful 
and  improved  seedlings  have  been  produced. 

All  the  varieties  are  very  pretty  in  the  open  ground,  and 
bloom  most  of  the  season,  but  are  much  injured  by  the  sun  or 
severe  rains.  They  can  only  be  brought  to  the  highest  state 
of  perfection  when  grown  in  pots  in  the  green-house,  where 
they  can  be  made  to  attain  the  height  of  three  or  four  feet,  — 
in  the  open  ground  about  two  feet;  from  August  to  October. 
The  varieties  are  humilis,  porrigens,  retusus,  Hookerii,  Priestii 
and  Grahamii. 


SCHIZOPETALON. 

Schizopetalon  Walheri.  —  Walker's  Schizopetalon.  —  This 
is  a  singular  plant,  about  one  foot  high,  with  curious  white 
flowers  ;  the  segments  of  the  corolla  are  finely  cut  into  many 
feathery  divisions.  The  flowers  are  very  frail,  being  soon 
spoiled  by  the  sun. 

This  remarkable  plant  is  a  native  of  Chili,  whence  it  was 
originally  introduced  by  the  late  Mr.  Walker,  in  1821.  It  is 
a  hardy  annual,  thriving  best  in  a  light,  sandy  soil,  and  is 
increased  by  seeds,  which  it  however  perfects  but  sparingly, 
and  that  only  in  dry  and  warm  summers.  To  hasten  their 
growth,  and  thereby  insure  the  maturing  of  seeds,  the  young 
plants  should  be  raised  in  a  frame,  and  planted  out  in  a  sunny 
border  about  the  middle  of  May. 

The  flowers  are  very  fragrant,  especially  in  the  evening. 
18* 


210  breck's  book  of  flowers. 


SPH(ENOGYNE. 

Sphceiiogyne  speciosa.  —  This  is  a  most  beautiful  flowering 
annual,  growing  about  a  foot  high.  The  plant  is  of  handsome 
foliage,  and  a  most  profuse  bloomer.  The  flowers  open  fully 
when  the  sun  shines  upon  them,  and  then  display  a  show  of 
the  most  pleasing  kind.  It  is  in  bloom  from  June  to  October. 
A  bed  of  it  would  be  a  delightful  contrast  to  one  of  an  opposite 
color.  It  has  some  resemblance  to  the  Calliopsis ;  rays,  yel- 
low ;  disk  dark-brown ;  flowers  about  two  and  a  half  inches 


SENECIO. 

Senecio  elegans.  — Ragwort,  or  Double  Groundsel. — There 
are  four  kinds  of  this  plant,  viz.,  double  red,  double  crimson, 
double  white  and  double  flesh-colored.  Each  of  these  kinds 
will  make  a  most  handsome  bed.  The  plant  is  very  pretty  in 
its  foliage,  grows  freely  and  most  profusely;  scarcely  anything 
surpassing  it  for  a  neat  and  handsome  show.  It  will  grow  about 
eighteen  inches  high,  and  continue  in  bloom  from  June  to  the 
end  of  the  season.  The  soil  I  grow  it  in  very  successfully  is 
fresh  loam,  mixed  with  leaf  mould,  and  about  eight  inches  deep, 
upon  a  dry  subsoil.  I  find  that  when  the  soil  is  much  enriched, 
the  plant  has  a  tendency  to  produce  too  much  foliage ;  but, 
grown  in  turf,  loam,  &c.,  as  above  stated,  an  amazing  produc- 
tion of  bloom  is  the  result.  The  plant  is  readily  increased  by 
slips,  scarcely  one  in  a  hundred  failing  to  grow.  It  is  also 
raised  from  seed ;  but  few  of  the  plants  will  produce  double 
flowers. 


SILENE. 

Catch-Fly. 

This  is  a  large  family  of  plants,  many  of  them  mere  weeds, 
while  others  are  handsome  flowers,  suitable  for  the  g-arden. 


TAGETES.  211 

SUene  armeria.  —  Lobel's  Catch-fly.  — A  very  hardy  annual, 
with  dense  umbels  of  pink,  and  another  variety  w^ith  vv^hite 
flowers,  from  June  to  October  ;  one  and  a  half  foot  high. 

Silene  compacta.  —  Compact-flowered.  —  Another  beautiful 
species  similar  to  the  last,  except  the  flowers  are  more  crowded 
in  the  umbel. 

Silene  pendula.  —  Pendulous-flowered.  —  A  dwarf,  bushy 
habit ;  pink  flowers,  from  June  to  September. 

Having  the  plants  once  in  the  ground,  there  will  always  be 
a  plenty  of  self-sown  seeds  in  the  spring. 


TAGETES. 

Marigold. 

Tagetes  patula. — French  Marigold. — A  well-known  ten- 
der annual ;  one  of  the  old-fashioned  flowers ;  deservedly 
popular,  from  the  brilliancy  and  variegation  of  its  flowers. 

Some  of  the  improved  varieties  are  exceedingly  beautiful, 
particularly  the  fine  variegated  sorts,  of  a  rich  velvety  brown 
and  yellow,  distinctly  striped  or  shaded  with  brown  on  yellow 
ground.  All  the  varieties  of  this  and  the  following  species  are 
prone  to  degenerate,  even  when  the  seed  is  saved  from  the 
most  perfect  flowers  ;  great  care  must  therefore  be  taken  to  pull 
up  every  plant  with  single  or  inferior  flowers  as  soon  as  it 
appears. 

Tagetes  erecta.  —  African  Marigold.  —  The  large  double 
varieties  of  this  species  are  very  rich.  The  colors  from  a  pale 
citron-yellow  to  deep  orange. 

There  are  also  varieties  intermediate  between  T.  patula  and 
this  species,  which  are  also  very  fine.  The  seed  may  be  sown 
any  time  in  May.  The  plants  should  be  transplanted,  when 
large  enough,  into  patches  of  five  or  six  plants  each ;  all  inferior 
sorts  should  be  pulled  up  as  soon  as  the  flowers  appear ;  one  plant 
being  sufficient  for  one  place,  which,  if  tied  up  to  a  stick  and 


212  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

trimmed  occasionally,  will  give   good  satisfaction ;  flowering 
from  July  till  the  frost  kills  it  in  autumn. 


THUNBERGIA. 

Thunbergia  cdata.  —  Winged-petioled  Thunbergia.  —  Hand- 
some climbing  green-house  perennial,  but  succeeds  well  as  an 
annual,  from  seed  sown  in  the  open  ground  the  last  of  May, 
growing  five  or  six  feet  high,  with  numerous  buff-colored  flow- 
ers, with  dark  throat,  from  July  to  October. 

Thunbergia  alata,  var.  alba.  —  White-flowered,  winged- 
petioled  Thunbergia.  — This  is  a  very  showy  variety  of  T.  alata, 
differing  in  no  respect  except  color.  The  plant  is  highly  orna- 
mental, and,  being  easily  multiplied  by  cuttings,  it  has  already 
become  common.  Like  the  other  variety  it  is  often  treated  as 
a  stove  plant,  but  it  succeeds  better  in  the  conservatory  or  green- 
house, and,  if  planted  in  a  warm,  sunny  border,  it  will  grow  and 
blossom  freely  during  the  summer  months.  A  soil  composed 
of  peat  and  loam  is  that  which  suits  it  best. 

The  genus  was  dedicated  by  the  younger  Linnasus  to  his 
friend  and  successor,  Thunberg,  an  indefatigable  botanical 
traveller. 

Thunbergia  alata,  var.  aurantica.  —  Orange-flowered. — This 
is  another  beautiful  variety,  requiring  the  same  treatment. 
Plants  forwarded  in  pots,  in  a  frame,  succeed  better  than  those 
sown  in  the  open  ground.  There  are  other  improved  varieties, 
all  fine.  The  plants  throw  out  many  lateral  branches,  and  will 
require  training  to  a  trellis  or  frame-work. 


TROP^OLUM. 

JVasturtium  —  Indian  Cress. 

TropcBolum,  from  tropceiim,  a  trophy.  —  The  leaf  resembles  a 
buckler,  and  the  flower  an  empty  helmet,  of  which  trophies 
were  formed. 


VERBENA.  213 

Tropceolum  peregrinum.  —  Canary  Bird  flower.  —  This  is  a 
beautiful  climber,  known  as  the  Canary  Bird  flower.  The 
charming  little  canary-colored  blossoms,  when  half  expanded, 
have  a  pretty  and  fanciful  likeness  to  little  birds.  The  plant, 
like  the  type  of  the  genus,  has  a  fine,  luxuriant,  rambling  char- 
acter. It  succeeds  best  in  a  light  soil.  If  the  seeds  are  planted 
in  April  or  May,  by  the  side  of  a  trellis  or  arbor,  they  will  soon 
cover  considerable  space,  and  produce  its  curious,  lively  flowers 
from  July  till  the  severe  frosts  of  autumn  destroy  it.  In  rich, 
heavy  soil  it  runs  very  much  to  vine,  and  produces  its  flowers 
very  sparingly.  The  foliage  is  similar  to  the  common  species, 
but  much  more  delicate. 

Tropceolum  majus.  —  Nasturtium.  —  This  is  a  well  known 
ornamental  annual,  of  easy  cultivation.  It  flowers  best  in  a 
light  soil.  It  looks  well  trained  to  a  trellis,  or  over  a  wall. 
The  flowers  are  rich  orange,  shaded  with  crimson  and  various 
colors  ;  the  variety  with  crimson  or  blood-colored  flowers  makes 
a  fine  contrast  with  the  orange.  The  seeds  are  used  as  a  sub- 
stitute for  capers,  and  the  flowers  sometimes  eaten  as  salads. 


VERBENA. 

Loudon  says,  it  is  a  genus  of  weedy  plants,  which  was  in 
fact  the  case  before  the  introduction  of  Verbena  chammdrifoUa. 
with  the  exception  of  the  Verbena  aubletia,  and  Lamberiii. 

Verbena  chanuedrifolia,  Germander- leaved.  —  Synonym.  V. 
Melindres,  Scarlet-flowered  Vervain. — This  plant  is  a  native 
of  Buenos  Ayres,  growing  through  a  very  extensive  tract  of 
country.  The  dazzling,  brilliant,  scarlet  flowers  cannot  be 
exceeded  by  any  other  plant  yet  introduced  into  this  country; 
and  blooming  from  May  to  November,  in  the  open  air,  with  us, 
makes  it  one  of  the  most  desirable  plants  in  cultivation. 

From  the  above  species  have  been  raised  innumerable  splen- 
did varieties,  of  every  color  and  tint,  excepting  yellow  and  blue. 
Some  varieties  are  of  a  bluish-purple,   ruby-purple,  lilac  and 


214  breck's  book  of  flowers, 

dark-purple,  rose,  scarlet,  crimson,  white,  white  with  red  eye, 
scarlet  with  purple  eye,  rosy  with  red  eye,  shaded,  striped,  &c.; 
in  fact,  every  shade  of  the  colors  named.  The  habits  of  all  are 
similar,  naturally  prostrate  creeping  plants,  taking  root  freely 
wherever  the  stems  come  in  contact  with  the  ground,  and  send- 
ing forth  innumerable  clusters  of  their  many-hued,  brilliant 
flowers  from  May  to  November. 

It  is  kept  with  difRculty  through  the  winter,  except  in  rooms 
or  in  the  green-house.  In  the  cellar  the  roots  soon  perish  ;  nor 
are  any  of  them  quite  hardy  enough  to  stand  the  winter. 

They  are  all  so  easily  raised  from  cuttings  that  they  can  be 
obtained  at  any  green-house,  for  about  two  dollars  a  dozen  for 
small  plants,  which,  when  turned  into  the  ground  in  June,  soon 
make  large  plants,  and  by  October  will  be  three  feet  across. 
They  continue  to  flower  after  severe  frosts,  and  are  among  the 
last  lingering  flowers  of  autumn. 

They  flower  from  seed  sown  in  the  open  ground,  in  May,  the 
same  season,  commencing  their  bloom  in  August.  Seedling 
plants  produce  seed  in  abundance,  but  those  that  have  been  a 
long  time  propagated  from  cuttings  lose  that  power  in  a  great 
measure.  There  is  no  end  to  the  variety  from  seedling  plants. 
To  have  them  come  early  in  flower,  the  seed  may  be  brought 
forward  in  the  frame.  No  plant  equals  the  Verbena  for  masses, 
particularly  when  grown  in  beds  cut  out  on  lawns,  as  the  bril- 
liancy of  the  flowers  contrasts  finely  with  the  green  grass. 


VIOLA, 


Viola  tricolor  has  already  been  treated  of  as  a  biennial  or 
perennial ;  it  may  also  be  considered  as  an  annual,  as  it  flowers 
finely  the  first  year.  —  See  page  157. 


ZERANTHEMUM ZINNIA.  215 


ZERANTHEMUM. 

Zerayithemum,  from  Greek  words  signifying  dry  and  a 
flower,  on  account  of  the  dry  nature  of  the  leaves  of  the  calyx, 
which  retain  their  color  and  form  for  many  years. 

T^eranthemum  annum,  —  Purple  Everlasting, — and  a  variety 
with  white  flowers,  are  popular  border  annuals,  of  easy  culture 
in  light,  rich  soil.  Like  the  Helichrysums,  they  are  valued  for 
their  properties  of  retaining  their  colors  and  form,  when 
gathered  and  dried,  and  much  prized  in  forming  winter  bou- 
quets for  vases,  &c. 


ZINNIA. 

Handsome  border  annual  plants,  requiring  the  same  cultiva- 
tion as  the  Marigold. 

Zinnia  elegans,  with  its  varieties,  are  all  handsome  flowering 
plants ;  in  bloom  from  July  to  October ;  two  or  three  feet  high. 
The  colors  of  some  of  the  varieties  are  very  brilliant,  and  par- 
ticularly the  scarlets.  The  colors  are  white,  pale  to  dark  yellow, 
orange  to  scarlet;  shades  from  rose  to  crimson,  from  crim- 
son to  light  purple,  lilac,  &c.  The  flowers  are  handsome 
when  it  first  commences  the  process  of  blooming ;  the  cen- 
tral, or  disk  part  of  it,  which  contains  the  florets,  as  they  begin 
to  form  seed,  assume  a  conic  shape,  and  a  brown,  husky  appear- 
ance, which  gives  the  flower  a  coarse,  unsightly  look. 


DESCRIPTIVE  LIST   OF   HARDY   SHRUBS  AND   LOW  TREES, 
SUITABLE  FOR  THE   SHRUBBERY. 


^SCULUS. 

Horse  Chestnut. 

The  common  Horse  Chestnut  is  a  well  known  ornamental 
tree,  of  rapid  growth  ;  beautiful  when  in  blossom,  it  being  cov- 
ered with  spikes  of  delicate  white  or  pink  flowers,  which  are 
produced  from  its  elegant  digitate  leaves. 

There  are  some  of  the  species  which  make  a  beautiful  show 
in  shrubberies,  when  in  flower  in  the  spring.  They  flourish  in 
any  soil  and  situation.  The  M.  discolor  seldom  grows  above 
six  feet  high,  and,  therefore,  will  stand  pretty  forward.  ^. 
carnea,  from  sixteen  to  twenty  feet.  ^.  rubicunda,  from  ten  to 
twelve ;  and  M.  pavia,  from  six  to  eight.  The  difierent  sorts 
are  easily  propagated  by  grafting,  and  may  all  be  united  on  the 
common  kind.  No  plants  are  better  calculated  for  shrubberies ; 
for,  although  they  are  deciduous,  the  variation  in  foliage  from 
the  ordinary  shrubs  has  a  charming  effect. 


ACUBA. 


Acuha  japonica.  —  Gold-Dust  Tree.  —  This  is  an  evergreen 
shrub,  having  large,  handsome  foliage,  with  golden  spots  or 
blotches.  In  this  climate  it  is  somewhat  tender,  particularly 
when  young. 


AMORPHA AMELANCHIER.  217 


AMORPHA. 

Indigo  Shrub. 

Amovpha,  from  Greek  words  denoting  the  deformity  of  the 
corolla. 

Amorpha  futicosa.  —  Bastard  Indigo.  —  This  shrub  is  a 
native  of  South  Carolina,  and  once  used  in  that  State  as  an 
indigo  plant,  but  now  neglected.  It  is  an  ornamental  shrub, 
about  six  feet  high,  with  spikes  of  purplish  flowers  in  July.  It 
is  of  easy  cultivation,  and  propagated  by  seeds  or  cuttings. 


AMELANCHIER. 

Shad  Bush. 

This  is  a  genus  of  ornamental  shrubs,  or  small  trees,  of  which 
one  or  two  species  are  conspicuous  ornaments  of  our  woods  and 
swamps  in  May.  Mr.  Emerson,  in  his  "  Trees  of  Massachu- 
setts," says,  that  "There  are  two  remarkable  distinct  varieties  of 
A.  canadensis,  or  Swamp  Pyrus,  of  Torrey  and  Gray,  found  in 
Massachusetts.  Both  are  called  the  Shad  Bush,  from  flower- 
ing when  the  shad  begin  to  ascend  the  streams.  The  first  is 
called, 

"  A.  botryapiu7n,  —  or  June  Berry,  —  This  is  a  small,  grace- 
ful tree,  from  fifteen  to  twenty  feet  high,  with  a  few  slender, 
distant  branches,  usually  growing  in  upland  woods.  It  has 
large  white  flowers,  in  pendulous  racemes,  expanding  about 
the  first  of  May,  or  a  little  later,  according  to  the  season,  just 
as  the  leaves  are  beginning  to  open,  with  small,  purple  or  faint 
crimson  bracts  at  the  base  of  the  partial  flower-stalks,  and  often 
near  the  flowers.  The  union  of  the  crimson  or  purple  of  the 
scales  and  stipules  with  the  pure  white  flowers,  and  the  glossy, 
silken,  scattering  pairs  of  the  opening  leaves,  give  delicate 
beauty  to  this  early,  welcome  promise  of  the  woods. 

"J.,  ovalis.  —  Swamp  Sugar  Pear,  —  This  is  a  smaller  tree 
19 


218  beeck's  book  or  flowers. 

than  the  preceding,  but  sometimes  rises  twelve  or  fifteen  feet 
high.     It  is  usually,  however,  a  shrub." 

The  general  appearance  of  both  is  similar,  but  it  appears 
that  there  are  botanical  distinctions  sufficient  to  arrange  them 
in  two  species.  They  are  deserving  a  place  in  every  shrub- 
bery. 

A.  sanguinea,  —  or  Scarlet-wooded  Amelanchier,  —  bears  a 
strong  resemblance  to  the  Snowy  Mespilus,  and  is  very  orna- 
mental.    It  seldom  grows  over  four  feet. 

A.  Jlorida.  —  This  species  bears  a  good  deal  of  resemblance 
to  the  smiguinea,  except  in  the  racemes  of  flowers,  which  are 
produced  after  the  manner  of  the  bird-cherry. 


AM  YGDALUS. 

Amygdalus,  —  the  Greek  name  for  the  Almond.  The 
species  are  fruit-trees,  or  ornamental  trees  and  shrubs,  much 
esteemed  for  the  gay  color  and  early  appearance  of  their 
flowers. 

A.  Persica  plena,  —  Double-flowering  Peach,  —  is  very 
beautiful  in  the  shrubbery.  The  flowers  are  large  and  full, 
like  small  roses.  There  is  a  white  and  pink  variety.  Unless 
the  trees  are  kept  headed  down,  or  pruned  in  well,  they  become 
straggling  and  unsightly.  Particular  attention  should  there- 
fore be  paid  to  this  point. 

A.  pumila  plena.  —  Double  Dwarf  Almond.  —  This  is  a 
beautiful  dwarf  shrub,  loaded  in  the  spring  with  its  elegant 
flowers,  resembling  small  roses.  It  is  not  inferior  to  any  shrub 
whatever,  when  in  blossom,  and  makes  a  fine  appearance  in  the 
shrubbery ;  easily  propagated  by  suckers. 

A  most  beautiful  way  of  growing  it  is  by  budding  it  upon 
the  plum  stock.  In  this  way  it  is  much  more  hardy  than 
when  grown  on  its  own  roots.  Thus  a  magnificent  head  may 
be  formed,  at  any  distance  from  the  ground  that  may  be 
desired.     The  Double  Peach   may  also  be  budded   on  plum 


AMPELOPSIS.  219 

Stocks,  and,  properly  pruned,  will  make  a  great  show  when  in 
flower. 


AMPELOPSIS. 

Virginian  Creeper. 

Ampelopsis  quinquefoUa.  —  American  Woodbine.  —  "  This 
is  the  most  ornamental  plant  of  its  genus.  It  recommends 
itself  by  its  hardiness,  the  rapidity  of  its  growth,  and  the  luxu- 
riance and  beauty  of  its  foliage.  It  is  a  native  of  our  woods, 
and  climbs  rocks  and  trees  to  a  great  height.  In  cultivation  it 
is  often  made  to  cover  walls  of  houses,  forty  or  fifty  feet  high, 
clinging  by  rootlets  which  proceed  from  its  tendrils.  The 
flower  is  of  a  reddish-green,  and  not  showy,  which  is  suc- 
ceeded by  clusters  of  dark-blue,  nearly  black,  berries  when 
mature.  At  the  same  period  the  fruit-stalks  and  tendrils 
assume  a  rich  crimson  or  red  color. 

"  The  great  variety  of  rich  colors,  shades  of  scarlet,  crim- 
son, and  purple,  which  the  leaves  and  stems  of  this  plant 
assume,  and  the  situations  in  which  we  see  it,  climbing  up  the 
trunks  and  spreading  along  the  branches  of  trees,  covering- 
walls  and  heaps  of  stones,  forming  natural  festoons  from  tree 
to  tree,  or  trained  on  the  sides  and  along  the  piazzas  of  dwell- 
ing-houses, make  it  one  of  the  conspicuous  ornaments  of  the 
autumnal  months.  Often,  in  October,  it  may  be  seen  mingling 
its  scarlet  and  orange  leaves,  thirty  or  forty  feet  from  the 
ground,  with  the  -green  leaves  of  the  still  unchanged  tree  on 
which  it  climbed."  —  {Emerson.) 

This  luxuriant  climber  is  easily  propagated  by  layers  and 
cuttings.     It  flourishes  best  in  a  rich,  moist  soil. 

Examples  of  the  surprising  luxuriance  of  this  plant  may  be 
seen  on  a  number  of  dwelling  houses  in  Beacon  street,  Boston, 
and  on  many  other  buildings  in  that  city. 


220  breck's  book  of  flowers. 


ANDROMEDA. 

Andromeda.  —  Named  in  allusion  to  the  virgin,  Andromeda, 
who,  like  this  plant,  was  confined  in  a  marsh,  and  surrounded 
by  the  monsters  of  the  water. 

The  species  are  neat  plants,  and  some  of  them  considerable 
shrubs;  all  requiring-  a  moist  situation  and  peat  earth. 

A.  polifolia.  —  Water  Andromeda.  —  This  beautiful  little 
shrub  is  from  twelve  to  eighteen  inches  high,  found  in  wet, 
mossy  bogs,  in  various  parts  of  the  state,  and  to  the  extreme 
north  of  this  continent.  The  flowers  are  red  before  they  open, 
but,  when  fully  expanded,  of  a  rosy  hue.     It  flowers  in  June. 

There  are  a  great  number  of  North  American  species,  which 
might  be  introduced  into  the  shrubbery  with  good  effect. 
Most  of  them  are  dwarfs,  and  succeed  well  with  the  same 
treatment  that  is  given  to  the  Azalea. 

A.  speciosa  and  all  its  varieties  are  very  beautiful,  and  flower 
in  great  profusion,  and  continue  in  leaf  nearly  the  whole  year, 
although  they  are  not,  strictly,  evergreen  shrubs.  They  grow 
about  three  feet  high. 

They  are  all  propagated  by  seed,  layers,  or  cuttings. 


ARISTOLOCHIA. 
Birth-wort. 

Aristolochia  sipho.  —  Pipe  Vine.  —  A  singular  climbing 
plant,  with  handsome,  broad  foliage,  with  brownish  purple,  and 
very  curious,  somewhat  pipe-shaped  flowers.  It  grows  fifteen 
or  twenty  feet  high ;  blooms  in  June  and  July ;  propagated 
from  layers  and  cuttings.  It  flourishes  in  any  good,  strong 
soil. 


AZALEA, 


This  is  a   genus  of  highly  ornamental  shrubs,  of  which 
many  species  are  indigenous. 


AZALEA.  221 

The  only  species  common  in  the  vicinity  of  Boston  is  A.  vis- 
cosa,  which  may  be  found  in  abundance  among  the  brush-wood 
in  low  grounds,  and  is  much  admired  for  the  fragrance  of  its 
flowers,  which  are  produced  in  terminal,  umbel-like  corymbs ; 
mostly  pure  white,  but  sometimes  varj^ing  to  blush  or  varie- 
gated; hairy  and  glutinous  on  the  outside  ;  stamens  longer  than 
the  corolla,  which  in  all  the  species  is  bell  or  funnel  form, 
terminating  in  five  unequal  segments. 

As  we  advance  further  into  the  interior,  thirty  or  forty  miles, 
the  beautiful  A.  midiflora  occasionally  presents  itself  to  the 
enraptured  traveller,  tempting  him  for  a  while  to  forget  the 
objects  of  his  journey,  and  admire  the  elegance  and  fragrance 
of  its  flowers.  This,  as  well  as  A.  viscosa,  is  called  by  the 
country  people  Swamp  Pink,  probably  on  account  of  the  odor 
of  the  flowers,  which  has  some  resemblance  to  the  Garden. 
Pink.  By  them  they  are  eagerly  sought  after,  and  form  a  con- 
spicuous part  of  the  decoration  of  the  mantel-piece,  in  its  sea- 
son, the  month  of  June.  The  color  is  commonly  a  fine  pink, 
varying  to  a  deep  red,  which  is  rare.  Their  beauty  is  much 
increased  by  the  length  of  the  thread-like  stamens,  being  much 
longer  than  the  corolla,  which  is  naked  or  destitute  of  a  calyx, 
from  which  its  specific  name  is  given,  nudijiora,  or  naked- 
flowered. 

There  are  as  many  as  a  dozen  indigenous  species,  besides 
many  varieties  to  be  found  in  different  parts  of  our  country ;  all 
handsome,  and  worthy  the  attention  of  the  florist. 

•'  The  Azalea  is  a  well-known  plant  throughout  Belgium, 
and  forms  one  of  the  most  splendid  decorations  of  the  flower- 
garden.  It  is  generally  considered  to  be  the  most  beautiful 
genus  of  the  flowering  shrubs.  The  neat  form  and  bushy 
growth,  the  vast  profusion  of  its  flowers,  the  extensive  variety 
and  splendor  of  colors  in  the  flowers,  their  appearance  at  a 
season  when  ievf  other  flowers  are  in  bloom,  and  the  little 
trouble  which  the  plant  requires  when  grown  in  a  suitable  soil 
and  a  good  situation,  all  combine  to  cause  the  plant  to  be  much 
19=^ 


222  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

admired,  sought  after,  and  introduced  into  nearly  every  pleas- 
ure-ground in  Belgium. 

"  The  varieties  of  this  handsome  genus  are  very  numerous, 
and  have  been  raised  in  a  short  period.  Twenty  years  since, 
there  were  only  a  very  feAv  moderate  species,  having  small, 
insignificant  flowers."  Now  there  are  many  varieties,  with 
brilliant  flowers,  in  large  clusters,  continuing  through  the 
month  of  June.  The  colors  are  white,  yellow,  orange,  scarlet, 
and  pink,  with  every  intermediate  shade. 

Notwithstanding  the  exceeding  beauty  of  this  tribe  of 
shrubs,  and  their  perfect  hardiness,  they  are  rarely  to  be  seen 
in  our  gardens. 

Azaleas  require  a  moist,  peaty  soil,  or  black,  sandy  loam, 
and  rather  shady  situation.  Plants  may  be  freely  raised  from 
seed,  or  from  layers  and  suckers. 

If  taken  from  the  woods,  the  best  way  is  to  cut  them  oflT 
close  to  the  ground.  They  will  throw  up  numerous  shoots, 
and  form  fine  healthy  plants. 


BERBERIS. 

Barberry. 

Many  of  the  species  are  cultivated  in  the  gardens  of  Europe 
on  account  of  the  beauty  of  their  fruit,  flowers,  or  foliage. 

Some  few  species  are  known  among  us,  but  none  prettiei 
than  our  common  Barberry,  or  Berberis  vulgaris.  This  shrub 
is  too  common  in  the  vicinity  of  Boston ;  but  where  it  is  not 
found  growing  in  such  profusion,  it  will  most  assuredly  be 
found  a  valuable  addition  to  the  shrubbery. 

"  Every  one  who  is  an  observer  of  nature,  must  have  been 
struck,  in  June,  with  the  beauty  of  the  arching,  upper  shoots 
of  the  barberry,  springing  from  a  mass  of  rich  green,  and  sus- 
taining numerous,  pendent  racemes  of  splendid  yellow  flowers. 
It  is  hardly  less  attractive  when  its  blossoms  have  been  sue- 


BIGNONU.  223 

ceeded  by  clusters  of  scarlet  fruit.  The  Barberry  is  a  bush 
usually  four  or  five,  but  often  seven  or  eight,  feet  high." 

It  has  often  been  said,  and  very  generally  believed,  that  Bar- 
berry bushes  were  prejudicial  to  rye,  causing  it  to  blast ;  but 
this  has  not  been  our  experience,  having  grown  heavy  crops 
of  rye  in  fields  with  Barberry  bushes  on  all  sides  of  it. 

B.  dulcis  is  more  dwarf  in  its  habits,  the  foliage  more  deli- 
cate, and  almost  evergreen ;  the  flowers  dark-orange,  scattered 
along  the  branches,  among  the  foliage.  It  is  a  very  pretty 
plant,  and  makes  a  handsome  hedge.  All  the  species  are 
easily  propagated  by  suckers. 


BIGNONIA. 

Trumpet  Flower, 

The  species  are  trees  or  shrubs,  inhabitants  of  hot  climates. 
The  flowers  are  produced  in  panicles,  and  are  large,  handsome, 
and  of  various  colors.  The  hardy  species  will  grow  in  almost 
any  good  soil,  and  easily  propagated  by  layers  or  cuttings  of 
the  root. 

Bigrionia  radicans.  —  Scarlet  Trumpet  Flower.  —  This  is  a 
magnificent  climbing  plant,  producing  large,  trumpet-shaped, 
orange-scarlet  flowers,  of  great  beauty,  from  July  to  October. 
They  are  produced  in  clusters ;  handsome  in  bud,  as  well  as 
when  fully  expanded,  which,  when  contrasted  with  the  elegant 
glossy,  pinnate  foliage,  presents  a  most  splendid  sight  when 
trained  to  a  pillar  or  trellis. 

The  plaiit  is  a  little  tender  in  some  locations,  and  will  do 
best  to  be  laid  down  and  covered  over,  or  secured  with  straw 
or  mats. 

This  is  the  only  species  generally  cultivated,  in  this  neigh- 
borhood, in  the  open  air.  B.  grandiflora  will  succeed  in  a 
more  southern  climate,  and  perhaps  at  the  north  with  some 
protection. 


224  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

BUXUS. 

Box. 

Bums  sempervirens.  —  Garden  Box.  —  This  is  a  delicate 
shrub,  which  may  be  pruned  to  any  shape  to  please  the  fancy. 
It  is  an  evergreen,  and  easily  propagated  by  cuttings.  It  is  in 
general  use,  and  the  best  material  for  forming  edgings  to  beds, 
walks,  &c.  Plants  may  be  trained  singly  into  almost  any 
shape,  and  will  make  large  shrubs,  in  some  locations.  It  is  nec- 
essary to  plant  Box  for  shrubs  in  a  shady  place,  which  will  gen- 
erally require  to  be  matted  in  the  winter.  There  are  varieties 
with  yellow  and  white  striped  leaves,  called  the  gold  and  silver 
striped.  There  are  a  number  of  species,  among  which  are  the 
Dwarf  and  Tree  Box.  The  last  kind  is  suitable  for  the  shrub- 
bery, as  it  will  grow  and  thrive  well  under  the  drip  of  trees. 


CATALPA. 

Catalpa  syringifolia.  —  This  is  a  North  American  shrub,  or 
tree,  from  the  south-west  and  south.  It  has  large,  handsome, 
white,  variegated  flowers,  in  clusters,  in  July,  that  are  suc- 
ceeded by  long  seed-vessels,  having  some  resemblance  to  bean- 
pods.  The  leaves  are  large  and  luxuriant,  coming  out  very 
late.  If  planted  in  a  warm,  sheltered  place,  it  will  flower 
finely  when  it  has  become  ten  or  twelve  feet  high,  although  its 
ordinary  height  is  twenty  feet  or  more.  It  makes  a  vigorous, 
succulent  growth,  which  is  very  often  winter-killed.  The  tree  is 
not  verj-  regular  in  its  growth,  but,  when  planted  among  other 
trees,  or  shrubs,  it  makes  a  fine  appearance. 


CALYCANTHUS. 


All  this  genus  are  natives  of  North   America.     They  are 
very  easy  of  culture,  growing  freely  in  peat  or  loam,  or  both. 


CAPRIFOLIUM.  225 

mixed.  The  flowers  are  dark-brown  color,  and  very  fragrant, 
resembling  the  odor  of  ripe  melons.  The  wood  is  also  very- 
fragrant. 

Calycanthus  Jlorida.  —  Carolina  Allspice.  — This  is  a  well- 
known  species,  from  three  to  five  feet  high,  flowering  from 
June  to  August.  There  are  also  a  number  of  other  species, 
but  all  nearly  resemble  the  last,  except  in  height  and  the  style 
of  the  leaves.  C.fertalis  has  glaucous  leaves;  C.  Icsvigatits 
smooth  leaves  ;  both  about  three  feet  high ;  all  easily  propa- 
gated from  suckers  or  layers. 


CAPRIFOLIUM. 

Honeysuckle. 

A  beautiful  genus,  of  well-known  climbing  shrubs,  growing 
from  fifteen  to  twenty  feet  high,  some  of  them  producing  their 
flowers  in  succession  through  all  the  summer  and  autumnal 
months.     They  are  all  valuable  for  pillars,  arbors,  trellises,  &c. 

Many  of  the  species  are  natives  of  North  America ;  among 
them  is  the  splendid  Scarlet  Trumpet  Honeysuckle,  a  native 
of  the  Southern  States,  but  found  to  be  hardy  here,  and  in  gen- 
eral cultivation.  Its  trumpet-shaped  flowers  are  produced  in 
clusters,  of  a  rich  scarlet  without,  and  orange  within ;  in  bloom 
from  June  to  October. 

Caprifolium  Jlavum.  —  Yellow  Trumpet  Monthly  Honey- 
suckle. —  This  is  also  a  native  of  the  South,  but  long  cultivated 
in  Europe,  and  from  ihence  introduced  here.  This  continues 
to  bloom  all  the  season. 

C.  sempervirens.  —  Evergreen  Scarlet  Monthly  Honeysuckle. 
—  This  is  also  a  native  of  North  America,  perfectly  hardy 
here  ;  the  foliage  is  evergreen  ;  the  flowers  trumpet-shaped,  of 
a  rich  scarlet  without,  tinged  with  orange  within.  The  plant 
grows  rapidly,  throws  out  a  multitude  of  branches,  and  has  a 
singularly  rich  appearance,  from  the  deep-green  of  its  leaves 
and  the  splendor  of  its  scarlet  flowers. 


226  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

C.  hirsuta.  —  Hairy  Honeysuckle.  —  This  is  a  native  of 
Massachusetts,  found  on  damp,  rocky  banks,  often  growing  to 
the  height  of  fifteen  to  thirty  feet ;  the  flowers  are  of  a  pale- 
yellow  without,  hairy,  and  of  a  rich  orange  within  ;  flowers, 
June  and  July. 

C.  periclymenum.  — Woodbine.  — This  is  a  vigorous-grow- 
ing English  species;  flowers  pale-yellow,  in  June;  highly 
fragrant. 

The  variety  belgicum,  or  Dutch  Sweet-scented  Honeysuckle, 
is  a  well-known  fragrant  climber,  giving  a  profusion  of  bloom 
in  June,  which  emits  a  delightful  odor  to  all  the  neighborhood; 
flowers  yellow,  variegated  with  red  or  purple. 

The  Dutch  Monthly  Sweet-scented  Honeysuckle  is  another 
variety,  with  flowers  somewhat  like  the  last,  but  are  produced 
in  succession  through  the  summer  and  autumn,  until  hard 
frosts.  The  buds,  before  they  expand,  are  of  a  dark-red,  or 
purple.  When  the  flower  opens,  the  interior  is  pure  white, 
which  changes  to  a  cream  color,  and  from  that  to  an  orange, 
giving  the  cluster  a  variegated  and  rich  appearance.  A  vari- 
ety has  oak-shaped  leaves. 

C.Jlexuosum,  or  Chinese  Honeysuckle.  —  A  very  desirable 
variety,  with  evergreen  leaves,  and  delicate  flowers  through  the 
season  ;  stem  flexuous  and  twining.  Like  many  others  of  the 
Chinese  plants,  it  readily  supports  the  rigor  of  our  winters,  and, 
blooming  with  an  exhaustless  profusion,  presents,  from  May 
till  late  in  autumn,  rich  wreaths  of  flowers,  various  in  tint, 
and  of  an  exquisite  orange-flower  perfume. 

The  buds  are  purple  ;  as  they  expand,  the  spotless  white  of 
its  gaping  corolla  is  exhibited,  with  its  protruding  stamens 
tipped  with  yellow  anthers.  On  exposure  to  the  air,  the  flowers 
gradually  assume  a  cream-like  tint,  and,  finally,  a  perfect 
orange  color ;  and,  as  they  mature  in  succession  from  the  base 
to  the  extremity  of  the  branch,  the  colors  are  all  present  on 
the  same  shoot.  The  stems  and  nerves  of  the  leaves  are  pur- 
ple ;  it  is  nearly  evergreen.  In  rich  loam,  the  growth  is  luxu- 
riant. 


CEANOTHUS CELASTRUS.  227 

Some  beautiful  varieties  of  the  Scarlet  Trumpet  Honey- 
suckle were  imported  by  us  a  few  years  since,  that  have  given 
great  satisfaction.  One  of  the  finest  is  C.  Jloribiinda,  having 
clusters  of  large,  trumpet-shaped,  orange-scarlet  flowers,  yel- 
low inside. 

The  White  Italian  Honeysuckle  has  pale-yellow,  almost 
white,  flowers.  There  are  many  other  fine  varieties  and  spe- 
cies of  this  beautiful  tribe,  but  not  much  known. 


CEANOTHUS. 

Ceanothus  Americanus.  —  New  Jersey  Tea.  —  A  delicate, 
flowering,  native  shrub  ;  a  low  and  bulby  plant,  flowering  in 
June  and  July,  from  one  to  three  feet  high,  found  growing  on 
the  margin  of  woods,  in  dry,  sandy  soil.  The  minute  white 
flowers  are  crowded  in  clusters,  and  are  very  pretty.  The 
leaves  have  been  used  as  a  substitute  for  tea. 


CELASTRUS. 

Celastrus  scandens. — Wax-work.  Climbingf  Sfaflf. — A  strong, 
woody  vine,  twining  around  small  trees,  and  over  rocks  and 
bushes,  growing  in  moist  situations  and  beside  stone  walls ; 
very  ornamental  when  in  fruit.  This  native  climber  should  be 
introduced  into  every  garden,  for  the  covering  of  arbors,  walls, 
or  trellis-work,  or  to  be  trained  to  a  pillar  in  the  shrubbery. 

The  foliage  is  handsome,  of  a  deep-green.  The  flowers  are 
white,  in  panicled  clusters,  and  not  remarkable  for  show.  The 
fruit  or  berries  very  ornamental.  The  fruit  is  a  berry, 
enclosed  in  a  round,  three-valved  capsule,  as  a  walnut  is  en- 
closed in  the  hull.  When  the  fruit  is  ripe,  the  valves,  or  hulls, 
turn  backward,  without  falling  off",  and  disclose  a  berry,  of  a 
deep-scarlet,  finely  contrasted  with  the  orange  color  of  the  valves. 

It  is  a  very  vigorous  climber,  and  will  grow  from  fifteen  to 


228  beeck's  book  of  flowers. 

twenty  feet  high.     The  stem  is  very  slender,  rarely  more  than 
an  inch  thick. 


CLEMATIS, 


Many  of  the  Clematis  are  shrubby  plants,  but  have  all  been 
noticed  among  the  herbaceous  tribe. 


CERASUS. 
Cherry. 

The  scientific  name  is  derived  from  a  town  on  the  Black 
Sea,  from  whence  this  tree  was  supposed  to  be  introduced.  A 
few  species,  with  numerous  varieties,  produce  valuable  fruits, 
while  nearly  all  are  remarkable  for  the  abundance  of  their 
early  flowers. 

The  Double-flowering  Cherry,  Cerasus  communis  plena,  is  a 
very  desirable  addition  to  the  shrubbery,  on  account  of  its  im- 
mense number  of  large,  double,  pure  white  flowers,  which  cover 
the  tree  in  the  early  part  of  May.  The  flowers  are  like  small 
white  roses,  very  full  and  beautiful.  By  proper  training,  it 
can  be  kept  in  a  low,  shrubby  state,  if  desirable.  It  will  grow 
in  any  garden  soil,  and  is  propagated  by  budding  or  grafting. 

The  Weeping  Cherry  is  formed  by  budding  a  delicate 
drooping  species  of  Bird  Cherry  upon  the  Mazard  stock,  at 
any  height  that  may  suit  the  fancy.  By  inserting  a  number 
of  buds,  at  the  desired  height,  a  large  drooping  head  may  be 
formed,  which  continues  to  increase  in  diameter,  but  not  much 
in  height.  Its  pendent  branches,  covered  with  delicate  foliage, 
are  at  all  times  a  pleasant  sight,  but  more  particularly  when 
covered  with  its  profusion  of  bloom. 

A  number  of  indigenous  species  might  be  introduced  into 
the  shrubbery,  or  pleasure-ground,  with  good  effect. 

Cerasus  Virginiana.  —  Choke  Cherry.  —  This  is  an  orna- 
mental shrub,  interesting,  whether  in  flower  or  fruit.     It  grows 


.    CERCIS CHIONANTHUS.  229 

from  two  to  fifteen  feet  high.  In  May  it  is  covered  with  a 
profusion  of  white  flowers,  in  dense  racemes,  and  in  July  and 
August  the  branches  are  bent  down  witli  a  profusion  of  fruit. 

C.  Pennsylvanica.  —  The  Northern  Red  Cherry.  —  This  is 
a  small,  slender  tree,  with  delicate  foliage,  and  handsome  white 
flowers.     The  fruit  is  deep-red,  and  not  very  abundant. 

C.  scrotma.  —  The  Black  Cherry.  —  This  is  a  well-known 
tree,  handsome  in  flower  and  fruit.  In  the  shrubbery,  it  should 
be  planted  in  the  background.  The  only  drawback  to  the 
beauty  of  this  tree,  is,  that  it  is  peculiarly  subject  to  the  rav- 
ages of  the  caterpillar.  They  are  sure  to  make  this  tree  their 
favorite  home ;  and,  unless  special  pains  is  taken  to  dislodge 
them  early  in  the  season,  the  tree,  for  ornamental  purposes,  is 
utterly  spoiled. 


CERCIS. 

Cercis  canadensis.  —  Judas  Tree  —  Red  Bud.  —  This  is  a 
curious  shrub,  or  low  tree,  indigenous  to  the  southern  part  of 
the  United  States ;  often  seen  in  large  collections  of  plants,  in 
gardens  in  New  England.  It  is  curious,  from  being  covered 
with  bunches  of  flowers,  of  a  rose  color,  before  the  leaves 
begin  to  appear.  They  give  a  brilliant  appearance  to  the 
whole  tree,  except  at  the  extremities  of  the  branches. 

The  Red  Bud  is  beautiful  in  the  spring,  and  not  without 
interest,  in  full  foliage,  in  the  summer. 


CHIONANTHUS. 

Chioiianthus  Virginica,  or  Fringe  Tree.  —  This  is  a  fine 
deciduous  shrub,  or  small  tree,  sometimes  growing  twenty  feet 
or  more  high,  but  flowering  when  six  or  eight  feet  high.  It 
has  large  leaves,  six  or  eight  inches  long,  and  from  two  to  three 
inches  wide  ;  the  flowers  white,  in  numerous  long  bunches,  and 
have  a  fringe-like  appearance.  It  is  a  native  of  North  Amer- 
20 


230  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

ica,  and  found  growing  upon  the  mountains  at  the  South,  and  is 
very  hardy.  A  light  loam  suits  it  well,  but  propagation  is  dif- 
ficult.    It  succeeds  when  budded  or  grafted  on  the  ash. 


CLETHRA. 

This  genus  is  composed  mostljr  of  American  plants,  and 
succeeds  well  when  transplanted  to  the  shrubbery. 

Clethra  ahiifolia.  —  Alder-leaved  Clethra.  —  A  shrub,  from 
two  to  eight  feet  high,  showing  a  long  spike  of  white  fragrant 
flowers,  towards  the  end  of  summer.  It  is  generally  found 
abundantly  in  wet,  boggy  places,  and  by  the  side  of  sluggish 
streams.  Emerson  says  :  "  This  beautiful  plant  may  be  easily 
cultivated,  and  is  much  improved  by  cultivation,  the  spikes 
being  increased  in  length,  and  in,  the  size  of  the  flowers.  It 
grows  readily  in  any  garden  soil,  and  may  be  propagated  by 

layers  or  cuttings." 

— * — 

COLUTEA. 

Bladder  Senna. 

Cohitea,  an  ancient  name  of  a  bush  w^ith  sweet-scented 
flowers.  The  genus  includes  a  number  of  species  of  shrubs, 
with  yellow  or  orange,  pea-shaped  flowers,  which  are  succeeded 
by  seed-vessels  like  bladders. 

C.arborescens  grows  about  ten  feet  high,  with  yellow  flowers, 
in  June  and  July.  C.  omenta,  four  feet  high,  with  reddish 
flowers  ;  and  C.  Pocockii,  with  dark-yellow  flowers.  All  are 
free  growers,  and  well  adapted  to  introduce  into  extensive  shrub- 
beries. 


CORNUS. 

Cornel  —  Dogwood. 

Cornus,  from  cornu,  a  horn ;  the  wood   being  thought  to  be 
as  hard  and  durable  as  horn.     The  larger  species  of  this  genus 


COENTTS,  231 

are  very  ornamental  and  hardy  shrubs,  mostly  North  American 
plants,  and  are  prized,  not  only  for  their  flowers  and  berries  of 
different  colors,  but  for  their  green,  red,  purple,  or  striped  barks, 
which  have  a  fine  effect  in  winter,  especially  among  ever- 
greens. 

Cornus  alternifolia.  —  Alternate-leaved  Cornel.  —  "A  beau- 
tiful shrub,  six  or  eight  feet  high  ;  sometimes  a  graceful  small 
tree,  of  fifteen,  twenty,  or  even  twenty-five  feet  high,  throwing 
off,  at  one  or  more  points,  several  branches,  which,  slightly 
ascending,  diverge,  and  form  nearly  horizontal  umbrageous 
stages,  or  flats  of  leaves,  so  closely  arranged  as  to  give  almost 
a  perfect  shade.  Recent  shoots,  of  a  shining  light-yellowish- 
green,  with  oblong  scattered  dots.  The  older  branches,  of  a 
rich  polished  green,  striped  with  gray.  Flowers  in  an  irregu- 
larly branched  head,  yellowish-white ;  fruit,  blue-black.  A 
beautiful  plant,  with  a  variety  of  character.  It  grows  naturally 
in  most  woods,  or  on  the  sides  of  hills ;  but,  when  cultivated, 
flourishes  in  almost  any  kind  of  soil,  and  even  in  dry  situa- 
tions. It  flowers  in  May  and  June,  and  the  fruit  ripens  in 
October." 

C.  floTida.  —  The  Flowering  Dogwood.  —  This  species 
is  more  of  a  tree  than  any  of  those  described,  and  one  of  the 
most  desirable  of  all  the  genus.  It  is  a  conspicuous  object,  in 
some  of  our  woods,  the  last  of  May.  The  tree  is  then  loaded 
with  a  profusion  of  its  large,  showy,  white  flowers,  which  are 
produced  at  the  ends  of  the  branches.  What  is  generally  taken 
for  the  flower  is  not  in  reality  such.  The  flowers  are  small,  and 
without  much  interest,  except  to  the  botanist.  Twelve  or  more 
of  them  are  clustered  together  in  a  head,  and  surrounded  by  a 
whorl  of  four  large  white  floral  leaves,  which  constitutes  the 
principal  beauty  of  the  flower.  These  floral  leaves  are  nerved, 
somewhat  heart-shaped,  shaded  with  flesh  color,  or  purple ;  the 
fruit  is  of  a  bright-scarlet. 

"  The  leaves  early  begin  to  change  to  purple,  and  turn  to  a 
rich  scarlet,  or  crimson,  above,  with  a  light-russet  beneath ;  or 
to  crimson  and  buff,  or  orange  ground,  above,  with  a  glaucous- 


232  breck's  book  of  flowkrs. 

purple  beneath.  These,  surrounding  the  scarlet  bunches  of 
berries,  make  the  tree  as  beautiful  an  object,  at  the  close  of 
autumn,  as  it  was  in  the  opening  summer." 

C.  circinata,  — Round-leaved  Cornel.  — "A  spreading  shrub, 
usually  not  erect,  from  four  to  six,  sometimes  eight  or  ten,  feet 
high,  with  straight,  slender,  spreading  branches.  Young  shoots, 
green,  profusely  blotched  with  purple;  old  shoots,  pale,  yellow- 
ish-green, or  purplish,  thickly  dotted  with  prominent,  wart-like 
dots,  or  sometimes  smooth."  The  flowers  white,  in  roundish, 
spreading,  terminal  heads,  or  cymes,  in  May ;  fruit  blue,  turning 
to  whitish  color ;  ripe  in  October. 

C.  stolonifera.  —  Red-stemmed  Cornel.  —  "A  handsome 
plant,  conspicuous  at  all  seasons  of  the  year,  but  especially 
towards  the  end  of  winter,  for  its  rich  red,  almost  blood- 
colored  stems  and  shoots.  The  main  stem  is  usually  prostrate 
upon  the  ground,  beneath  withered  leaves,  throwing  down 
roots,  and  sending  up  slender,  erect  branches,  from  five  to  six 
or  eight  feet  high ;  flowers  white,  in  spreading  cymose  clusters  ; 
fruit  white,  or  lead  colored." 

C.  pariiculata.  —  Panicled  Cornel.  —  A  shrub,  about  six 
feet  high,  with  erect  branches,  dotted,  or  speckled.  "  The 
cymes,  or  heads  of  flowers,  are  very  numerous,  on  long,  slen- 
der, pale-yellow  stems,  with  irregular  branches."  Flowers, 
white,  in  May  and  June,  succeeded  by  white  fruit,  which  ma- 
tures in  August  and  September,  when  the  fruit-stalk  is  of  a 
delicate  pale-scarlet." 


CRAT^GUS. 

The  Thorn. 

In  relation  to  this  genus  Mr.  Emerson  remarks: — "It  is 
found  that  a  greater  variety  of  beautiful  small  trees  and  orna- 
mental shrubs  can  be  formed  of  the  several  species  of  Thorn, 
than  of  any  kind  of  tree  whatever.  Thus  they  give  persons, 
whose  grounds  are  not  extensive,  the  means  of  ornamenting 


CYDONIA.  233 

their  grounds  with  great  facility.  If  trained  as  trees,  they  have 
an  appearance  of  singular  neatness  united  with  a  good  degree 
of  vigor ;  and  the  readiness  with  which  they  are  pruned  and 
grafted  renders  them  susceptible  of  almost  any  shape  which  the 
fancy  of  the  owner  would  have  them  assume.  Some  of  the 
species,  native  to  Massachusetts,  often  take,  even  in  a  state  of 
nature,  the  shape  of  handsome  low  trees.  Of  these,  the 
flowers  and  foliage  have  great  beauty,  and  the  scarlet  haws, 
which  remain  on  into  winter,  till,  ripened  by  frost,  they  are 
gathered  by  the  birds,  give  them  additional  charms.  Into 
these  tall  species  all  the  others,  very  various,  and  many  of  them 
very  beautiful,  may  be  grafted;  and  not  only  thorns,  but  pears 
and  other  fruits,  may  be  readily  made  to  grow  on  the  Thorn." 
The  four  principal  species,  natives  of  our  State,  are, 
Cratcegtis  coccinnea,  Scarlet-fruited  Thorn ;  C.  tomentosa, 
the  Pear-leaved  Thorn ;  C.  crvs-galli,  the  Cockspur  Thorn, 
and  C.  punctata,  the  Dotted-fruited  Thorn;  —  all  handsome, 
with  white,  fragrant  flowers,  in  clusters. 

C.  oxyacanlha  is  the  common  Hawthorn  of  England,  which 
is  also  an  ornamental  shrub,  as  well  as  a  very  important  one 
for  the  formation  of  hedges.  Of  this  species  there  are  a  num- 
ber of  beautiful  varieties,  which  should  be  in  every  collection, 
viz.,  rosea,  with  deep-red  flowers  ;  double -white  and  double- 
red,  which  are  very  beautiful,  besides  some  others  not  so  well 
known. 


CYDONIA. 

Japan   Quince. 

Cydonia  Japonica,  formerly  Pyrus  Japojiica,  is  indigenous  to 
.Japan,  and  embraces  two  varieties,  the  scarlet  and  variegated 
flowering.  When  in  bloom,  there  is  no  plant  that  equals  it 
in  splendor.  The  Cydonia  may  be  seen  budding  and  bursting 
into  bloom  in  April.  The  flowers  are  in  aggregated  clusters, 
along  the  branches,  interspersed  with  the  young  leaves.  The 
20* 


234  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

hue  of  the  scarlet  color  is  most  brilliant,  and  no  artist  can  find 
a  tint  that  will  convey  an  adequate  idea  of  its  splendor.  The 
paler  variety  is  also  much  admired.  The  flowers  of  this  are 
of  a  fine  blush,  shaded  with  red,  and,  when  contrasted  with  the 
other,  forms  an  agreeable  relief.  The  perfect  hardiness  of  the 
shrub,  and  the  brilliancy  of  the  flowers,  must  ever  render  it  an 
agreeable  appendage  to  the  shrubberj',  lawn,  or  flower-garden. 
It  is  generaly  propagated  by  layering  and  by  suckers.  It  suc- 
ceeds in  any  good  garden  loam.  It  commences  flowering  when 
the  plants  are  quite  small.  It  grows  from  six  to  eight  feet 
high.  A  writer  says  :  "  One  of  the  most  pleasing  and  pictu- 
resque objects  we  recollect  ever  to  have  seen,  was  a  large 
Cydonia,  whilst  in  full  bloom,  partially  imbedded  in  a  late 
snow ;  the  branches  weighed  down  thereby,  and  the  rich,  bril- 
liant blossoms,  peeping  through  their  chaste  covering." 


CYTISUS. 

Laburnum. 

A  genus  of  ornamental  trees  and  shrubs,  of  which  the  La- 
burnums are  generally  well  known  as  highly  ornamental. 

Cytisus  laburnum.  —  Golden  Chain.  —  A  tall  and  elegant 
shrub,  or  low  tree,  which,  when  in  bloom,  is  laden  with  long, 
pendulous  clusters  of  golden  pea-shaped  flowers,  similar  in 
shape  to  those  of  the  Robinia,  or  Acacia.  It  is  exceedingly 
rich  and  beautiful  when  in  bloom,  the  last  of  May  and  June; 
grows  from  ten  to  thirty  feet  high. 

The  Purple-flowering  Laburnum,  C.  purpurea,  has  dull- 
purple  flowers  ;  grows  three  feet  high. 

C.  Ze7<ca?i?AMS  has  cream-colored  flowers ;  four  feet  high.  The 
Golden  Chain  is  the  most  desirable  of  all  the  species  or  vari- 
eties. 

There  are  many  other  fine  species  and  varieties,  of  which 
some  of  them  are  low  shrubs ;  all  ornamental. 


DAPHNE  —  DEUTZTA.  236 

DAPHNE. 

Pink  Mazereon. 

Daphne  mazereon  is  a  handsome  shrub;  the  flowers  come 
out  before  the  leaves,  early  in  the  spring ;  they  grow  in  clus- 
ters, all  round  the  shoots  of  the  former  year, 

"  Though  leafless,  well  attired,  and  thick  beset 
With  blushing  wreaths,  investing  every  spray." 

The  flowers  are  succeeded  by  brilliant-scarlet  berries,  which 
are  said  to  be  a  powerful  poison.  Another  variety,  with  white 
flowers,  has  yellow  berries.  This  shrub  is  in  bloom  early  in 
April.  It  is  sweet-scented ;  and,  where  there  are  many  to- 
gether, they  will  perfume  the  air  to  a  considerable  distance. 
The  best  time  for  transplanting  is  in  the  autumn  ;  because,  as 
it  begins  to  vegetate  early  in  the  spring,  it  should  not  then  be 
disturbed.  It  thrives  best  in  a  dry  soil;  if  it  has  too  much 
wet,  it  becomes  mossy,  and  stinted  in  growth,  and  produces 
fewer  flowers. 


DEUTZIA. 

The  genus  was  named  by  Thunberg,  in  compliment  to  John 
Deutz,  one  of  the  senators  of  Amsterdam,  a  patron  of  botanj% 
and  one  of  the  promoters  of  the  voyage  of  the  former  to  Japan. 

The  genus  is  nearly  related  to  Philadelphus.  A  very  ele- 
gant shrub,  native  of  Japan  and  China,  and  introduced  from 
the  latter  country  a  few  years  ago,  by  Mr.  Reeves,  to  whom 
our  gardens  are  indebted  for  many  other  equally  interesting 
plants  from  the  same  quarter.  It  is  a  plant  of  easy  culture, 
being  sufficiently  hardy  to  endure  our  winters  in  the  open  air, 
and  easily  increased  both  by  cuttings  and  layers. 

During  the  early  part  of  summer,  the  Deutzia  is  covered  by 
a  profusion  of  white  blossoms,  which  are  highly  fragrant.  The 
rough  leaves  of  the  plant,  Thunberg  informs  us,  are  employed 


236  bueck's  book  of  flowers. 

by  the  Japanese   cabinet-makers   for  polishing  wood,   in  the 
manner  that  the  stems  of  the  Equisetum  hyemale  are  with  us. 


DIERVILLA. 


Diervilla  trifida.  —  Three-flowered  Bush  Honeysuckle.  — 
This  is  a  pretty  native  shrub,  from  two  to  four  feet  high,  with 
handsome  opposite  leaves,  from  the  axils  of  which  spring  three 
yellow,   honeysuckle-shaped  flowers  in  July. 


DIRCA. 

Dirca  paliistris. — Leather  Wood. — This  is  a  much  branched 
shrub,  from  three  to  six  feet  high,  found  in  wet,  marshy,  and 
shady  places.  It  is  conspicuous,  when  in  flower  in  April,  for 
the  number  of  yellow  blossoms,  which  fade  and  fall  rapidly  as 
the  leaves  expand.  The  wood  is  very  pliable,  and  the  bark  of 
singular  toughness  and  tenacity.  It  has  such  strength  that  a 
man  cannot  pull  apart  so  much  as  covers  a  branch  of  half  or 
third  of  an  inch  in  diameter.  It  is  used  for  millers  and  others 
for  thongs.     The  aborigines  used  it  as  a  cordage. 


EL^AGNUS. 
Oleaster. 

Elesagmis,  from  the  Greek,  an  olive ;  the  tree  having  a 
striking  resemblance  to  the  olive  tree.  Shrubs,  or  small  trees, 
ten  or  fifteen  feet  high. 

E.  angitstifolia,  and  E.argentea,  are  shrubs  or  low  trees,  with 
elegant  silvery  foliage,  their  only  recommendation. 


EPIGjEA  EUONYMUS.  237 

EPIG^A. 

Ground  Laurel. 

The  generic  name  is  from  Greek  words,  signifying  upon  the 
earth.  The  woody,  hairy  stems  grow  flat  upon  the  ground, 
and  throw  out  roots  all  the  length  of  its  branches. 

Epigcea  repens.  —  May  Flower.  —  This  beautiful,  fragrant 
flower  is  found  in  many  parts  of  the  country,  and  is  worthy  of  a 
place  in  the  flower-garden ;  no  doubt  it  will  succeed  well  when 
grown  among  shrubs  where  it  will  be  partially  shaded.  It  is  in 
flower  in  April.  It  produces  delicate  flesh-colored  or  white 
flowers,  and  sometimes  is  found  with  light-red  blossoms.  Mr. 
Emerson  says  :  "  It  abounds  in  the  edges  of  woods,  about  Plym- 
outh, as  elsewhere,  and  must  have  been  the  first  flower  to 
salute  the  storm-beaten  crew  of  the  Mayflower  on  the  conclu- 
sion of  their  first  terrible  winter.  Their  descendants  have 
thence  piously  derived  the  name,  although  its  bloom  is  often 
past  before  the  coming  in  of  the  month  of  May."  The  stems 
of  the  plant  are  several  feet  in  length,  generally  covered  with 
the  fallen  leaves.  The  flower-stems  are  thrown  up  at  inter- 
vals of  two  or  three  inches,  th];ee  or  four  inches  high,  produc- 
ing flowers  in  crowded  clusters.  The  flower-buds  are  formed 
in  August.     Leaves  everarreen. 


EUONYMUS. 


Spindle  Tree —  Strawberry  Tree. 


Eiionymus  Americamts. —  Burning  Bush.  —  An  elegant 
shrub,  growing  eight  or  ten  feet  high,  producing  rather  incon- 
spicuous purple  flowers  in  clusters,  which  are  succeeded  by 
brilliant  scarlet  fruit,  that  remains  after  the  foliage  has  fallen ; 
highly  ornamental.  The  foliage  is  handsome ;  the  branches 
erect,  of  a  fresh  green  color.     There  is  a  variety  with  purplish- 


^§§  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

red  berries,  and  another  with  white  beiTies.  Upon  the  opening 
of  the  valve  which  encloses  the  berry,  the  white  variety  show 
to  great  advantage,  the  valve  being  white,  and  the  berry  a  light 
scarlet.  The  berries  are  produced  in  great  profusion.  Plants 
may  be  raised  from  seed,  which  should  be  planted  in  autumn; 
or  by  layers  or  cuttings. 

E.  Europceus. —  The  European  Spindle  Tree. — This  is  a 
handsome  evergreen  shrub,  with  deep  shining-green  leaves, 
with  a  variety  having  silver-edged  leaves.  The  European 
species  and  varieties  are  somewhat  tender  in  this  latitude. 
They  should  be  planted  in  a  sheltered,  shady  place. 


F  AGUS. 
Beech. 

The  Beech  is  a  fine  tree,  suitable  for  ornamental  pleasure- 
grounds,  but  too  large  for  the  shrubbery. 

The  Purple  Beech  is  a  European  variety,  propagated  by 
grafting  \ipon  the  common  species.  It  is  a  small  tree,  but 
may  be  kept  within  bounds  by  pruning  in,  and  is  very  de- 
sirable in  a  collection  of  shrubs,  on  account  of  its  dark-purple, 
almost  black,  leaves.  The  younger  leaves  are  purplish-crim- 
son, and  present  a  brilliant  appearance  during  the  bright  sun- 
shine. In  summer  the  foliage  loses  its  brilliant  tints,  the  leaves 
changing  to  a  purplish-green. 

No  collection  of  shrubs  should  be  deficient  of  the  Purple,  or 
Copper  Beech,  as  it  is  sometimes  called.  The  contrast  between 
this  and  most  other  shrubs  is  very  marked.  The  Weeping 
Beech  is  another  desirable  variety ;  its  drooping  pendulous 
branches  are  very  ornamental.  Propagated  in  the  same  way 
as  the  other,  either  by  budding,  grafting,  or  inarching. 


FRAXINUS HALESIA.  239 

FRAXINUS. 
Ash. 

The  Ash  is  a  well-known  valuable  timber  tree,  and  suitable 
for  avenues,  but  not  for  the  shrubbery,  unless  on  a  large  scale. 

The  Weeping  Ash,  or  jF.  pendula,  is  a  variety  of  F.  excel- 
sior, first  discovered  in  a  field  at  Gamblingay,  Cambridgeshire, 
England.  This  is  propagated  by  grafting,  or  inarching  upon 
the  common  Ash.  It  looks  well  in  the  shrubbery,  but  more 
particularly  upon  a  lawn  by  itself;  the  branches  will  droop  to 
the  ground,  and  form  a  handsome  weeping  head.  There  are 
other  varieties,  with  curled  or  variegated  leaves,  which  are 
desirable  in  making  up  an  extensive  collection. 


HALESIA. 

Snow-drop  Tree. 

Halesia  tetraptera. — Four-winged  Halesia.  —  A  native  of 
Carolina,  where  it  is  found  growing  on  the  banks  of  rivers.  It 
is  an  ornamental  shrub,  five  or  six  feet  high,  valuable  for  its 
early  flowering  in  May.  The  flower  hangs  in  small  bunches 
all  along  the  branches,  each  bud  producing  from  four  to  eight 
or  nine ;  they  appear  before  the  leaves,  and  are  of  a  snowy 
whiteness,  and  last  for  two  or  three  weeks. 

Halesia  diptera. —  Two-winged  Silver  Bell  Tree.  —  This 
species  is  described  in  Downing's  first  volume  of  the  Horticul- 
turist as  follows  :  —  "  Tlie  present  species  is  a  much  rarer  one 
than  the  last.  Its  native  country'-  is  Georgia  and  Carolina,  but  it 
is  hardy  here,  and  is  well  entitled  to  a  prominent  place  in  the 
pleasure-grounds.  It  difters  very  strongly  from  the  common 
species,  in  both  the  larger  size  and  the  purer  white  of  the  flow- 
ers, and  also  in  foliage,  which  is  twice  as  broad  as  that  of  the 
four-winged    sorts.     The  seeds  have,  as  the  name  indicates, 


240  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

only  two-winged  appendages,  Thougli  this  species  is  fre- 
quently advertised  for  sale,  yet  it  is  rarely  found  true  to 
name.  There  are  two  or  three  fine  specimens  of  the  true 
Halesia  diptera  in  the  excellent  nursery-grounds  of  Mr.  William 
Eeid,  at  Murray  Hill,  New  York  city,  which  have  strongly 
excited  our  admiration  whenever  we  have  seen  them  in  bloom. 
They  blossom  in  June,  three  or  four  weeks  later  than  H. 
tetraptera  ;  the  blossoms  are  large  and  numerous,  and  of  a  pure 
and  snowy  whiteness,  and  remain  a  good  while  in  flower. 
Altogether,  we  consider  the  Two-winged  Silver*Bell  as  a  hardy 
shrub  of  great  beauty,  and  one  that  should  be  largely  propa- 
gated, and  introduced  into  every  collection.  It  cannot  be  very 
difficult  to  obtain  seeds  from  the  South,  and  Mr.  Reid  informs 
us  that  this  species  ripens  seeds  in  the  open  borders  of  his 
grounds." 


H  E  D  E  R  A. 
English  Ivy. 

Hedera  helix.  —  Common  Ivy.  —  The  ancients  held  Ivy  in 
great  esteem,  and  Bacchus  is  represented  as  crowned  with  it 
to  prevent  intoxication.  It  is  a  highly  esteemed  ornamental 
evergreen  climber,  and  much  used  in  England  for  covering 
naked  buildings  or  trees,  or  for  training  into  fanciful  shapes,  or 
trained  up  a  stake  so  as  to  form  a  standard. 

In  this  country  it  is  not  very  common,  but  it  appears  to  suc- 
ceed well  in  shady  collections.  There  are  some  specimens  in 
the  city  of  Boston,  which  flourish  finely  upon  the  rough  granite 
or  brick  walls  of  buildings.  It  is  easily  propagated  by  cuttings 
or  layers.  There  are  a  number  of  varieties  of  this,  of  which 
all  are  desirable,  growing  to  a  great  height,  and  attaching  itself 
firmly  to  whatever  it  grows  upon,  without  any  assistance. 


HIBISCUS ILEX.  241 

HIBISCUS. 

Alth(Bafrutex. 

Hibiscus  Syriacus.  —  The  Althea  is  a  well-known  ornamental 
shrub,  of  easy  cultivation  ;  but  a  little  tender  in  some  situa- 
tions, particularly  the  double  white  variety.  They  grow  freely 
from  cuttings,  from  which  the  double  varieties  are  multiplied ; 
or  very  easily  from  seed,  for  single  varieties.  We  think  some 
of  the  single  varieties  are  equally  handsome  as  the  double,  and 
generally  more  hardy.  There  is  the  double  white,  red,  blue 
and  white,  with  stripes,  or  blotches,  and  others. 


ILEX. 
The  Holly. 

Ilex,  a  name  of  unknown  origin.  In  England,  innumerable 
varieties  have  been  raised  from  Hex  aquifolium,  a  low  tree,  or 
shrub,  which  vary  in  the  margin  and  size,  or  in  the  variegation 
of  the  leaves.  Being  evergreens,  they  are  highly  esteemed  for 
the  shrubbery,  for  small  groups,  or  for  lawns,  and  make  a  gay 
appearance  at  all  seasons  of  the  year.  The  silver  and  gold- 
edged  varieties  are  very  beautiful.  The  common  green  prickly- 
leaved  is  used  for  hedges ;  the  only  objection  to  it  is  its  very 
slow  growth. 

Alas  !  were  it  not  for  our  changeable  chmate,  we,  too,  might 
have  this  desirable  family  of  plants  in  our  shrubberies  and  bor- 
ders. They  do  not  succeed  well  in  the  New  England  States ; 
probably  they  may  thrive  in  sheltered  places,  where  not  much 
exposed  to  the  sun.     They  are  worthy  of  many  trials. 

Hex  opaca.  —  The  American  Holly.  —  This  species  is  found 
plentifully  in  some  parts  of  Massachusetts.  Mr.  Emerson 
says  of  it :  —  "  The  American  Holly  is  a  handsome,  low  tree, 
with  nearly  horizontal  branches,  and  thorny,  evergreen  leaves. 
The  berries  are  scarlet,  and  remain  on  the  tree  into  the  winter. 
21 


242  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

It  flowers  in  June.  It  has  considerable  beauty,  and  is  particu- 
larly valuable  for  retaining  its  bright  green  leaves  through  the 
year,  and  for  its  scarlet  berries.  The  leaves  are  seldom  touched 
by  an  insect.  On  these  accounts  it  deserves  cultivation  as  an 
ornamental  tree.  It  has  great  resemblance  to  the  European 
Holly,  which  makes  the  most  durable  hedge  of  any  plant  what- 
ever, and  one  which  is  kept  in  repair,  when  once  established, 
at  the  least  expense.  The  objection  to  it  is  the  slowness  of  its 
growth.  Our  tree  is  commonly  found  on  a  rather  dry,  sandy, 
or  rocky  soil,  but  will  grow  on  almost  any.  The  European  is 
found  to  do  best  on  a  rich,  sandy  loam,  in  an  open  forest  of 
oak.  It  is  propagated  by  seeds,  or  plants  taken  from  the  woods. 
The  seeds  do  not  germinate  for  more  than  a  year  after  sowing. 
They  are,  therefore,  kept  in  moist  earth  for  a  year  after  gather- 
ing, after  which  they  are  sown  at  the  depth  of  a  quarter  of  an 
inch  in  firm  soil.  The  surface  should  be  protected  from  heat 
and  drought  by  a  covering  of  half-rotten  leaves,  or  litter. 
When  transplanted,  they  should  be  protected  for  a  while  from 
the  heat  of  the  sun.  The  best  time  for  transplanting  is  early 
in  the  spring,  before  the  plant  has  begun  to  shoot." 

The  same  may  be  said  of  the  seeds  of  the  Thorn,  and  many 
others,  as  of  the  Holly.  They  will  not  vegetate  till  the  second 
spring  after  maturing,  and  are  prepared  by  exposing  them  to 
the  action  of  the  frost,  by  slightly  covering  with  earth,  thus 
remaining  till  they  are  to  be  sown  in  beds,  or  drills. 


KALMIA. 

A  small  genus  of  handsome  evergreen  indigenous  shrubs. 
Kalmia^  in  honor  of  Peter  Kalm,  a  pupil  of  Linnaeus. 

Kclniia  latifolia.  —  Mountain  Laurel,  Spoon  Wood,  &c. — 
Among  the  shrubs  that  embellish  the  scenery  of  the  interior 
of  the  country,  this  may  be  considered  one  of  the  most  elegant. 
Its  general  height  is  from  five  to  ten  feet,  but  may  sometimes 
be  seen  rising  from  fifteen   to   twenty  feet,  among  the  rocks 


KALMIA.  243 

and  thickets,  almost  impenetrable  by  its  crooked  and  unyield- 
ing trunks,  locked  and  entangled  with  each  other.  The  leaves 
are  about  three  or  four  inches  long,  evergreen,  giving  much 
life  to  the  forests  in  the  winter,  by  their  deep  shining-green. 
The  flowers  are  disposed  in  large  corymbs,  at  the  extremity  of 
the  branches ;  numerous  ;  of  a  pure  white,  blush,  or  a  beauti- 
ful rose-color,  and  more  rarely  a  deep  red.  The  season  of 
flowering  is  in  the  months  of  June  and  July.  Nothing  can 
exceed  the  magnificence  of  its  appearance  when  in  full  bloom. 
The  soil  in  which  it  best  succeeds  is  soft,  loose,  and  cool,  with 
a  northern  exposure.  The  foliage  is  the  richest  when  the  plant 
is  grown  in  the  shade.  The  soil  suitable  for  its  growth  is  the 
same  as  recommended  for  the  Azalea.  Young  plants,  taken  up 
with  balls  of  earth  attached,  will  succeed  well  in  the  garden, 
in  the  shade.  Those  from  open  pastures  will  flourish  best,  if 
such  can  be  found.  There  is  no  shrub,  foreign  or  native,  that 
will  exceed  this  in  splendor,  when  well  grown. 

K.  angvstifolia.  — Narrow-leaved  Kalmia.  — This  is  a  low 
shrub,  that  covers  large  tracts  of  cold,  moist  land,  in  almost 
every  section  of  the  country.  It  is  a  great  nuisance  to  the 
farmer,  who  looks  suspiciously  upon  it,  as  it  has  the  reputation 
of  being  poisonous  to  sheep  and  other  animals,  which,  for  the 
sake  of  variety  or  want  of  other  food,  sometimes  feed  upon  it. 
Cobbett  says  :  "  The  little  dwarf  brush  stuff',  that  infests  the 
plains  of  Long  Island,  is,  under  a  fine  Latin  name,  a  choice 
green-house  plant  in  England,  selling  for  a  dollar  when  no 
bigger  than  a  handful  of  thyme."  How  large  a  handful  he 
does  not  say.  "  When  in  bloom,"  he  remarks,  "  it  resembles 
a  large  bunch  of  Sweet  William.  It  is  so  pretty,  it  is  worth 
having  in  a  green-house,  where  it  would  probably  blow  in 
April,  on  Long  Island."  Blooms  in  June  and  July  ;  flowers 
red,  or  deep  pink,  and  I  have  seen  a  white  variety ;  leaves 
evergreen ;  grows  from  one  to  two  feet  high. 


244  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

KERRIA. 

Kerria  Japonica,  formerly  Corchorus  Japonica.  —  Japan 
Globe-flower.  —  This  is  an  elegant  shrub,  growing  three  or 
four  feet  high,  producing  a  profusion  of  double  yellow  globular 
flowers,  from  June  to  September.  The  branches  are  bright 
deep-green ;  the  foliage  handsome.  It  is  a  little  tender  in 
some  locations,  the  tops  being  frequently  killed  down  ;  but  it 
sends  up  fresh  shoots,  which  flower  the  same  season.  It  is 
easily  propagated  by  suckers. 


LAURUS. 

Laurus  be^izoin,  or  Fever  Bush  —  or  Benzoin  odoriferum, 
Spice  Bush.  —  "  The  Spice  Bush  is  a  shrub,  from  four  to  ten 
feet  high,  remarkable  for  its  graceful  form,  and  large,  hand- 
some leaves,  particularly  when  found  growing  in  the  deep 
shade  of  a  moist  forest.  Such  a  situation,  where  it  seems 
most  vigorous,  is  not  favorable  to  the  production  of  its  flowers 
and  fruit.  In  April,  or  the  first  part  of  May,  clusters  of  from 
three  to  six  flowers,  of  a  greenish-yellow,  on  very  short  pedi- 
cels, appear  from  buds,  distinct  from  the  leaf-buds,  in  the  axils 
of  the  last  year's  leaves.  Fruit,  a  dark-red,  or  purple  ;  drupe, 
(berry,)  of  an  oval  shape,  in  bunches  from  two  to  five.  The 
stem  is  short  and  stout,  not  so  long  as  the  drupe.  The  plant 
derives  its  botanical  name  from  its  aromatic  odor,  resembling 
gum  benzoin.     This  is  to  some  persons  always  disagreeable." 

The  proper  soil  for  the  Spice  Bush  is  the  same  as  that  for 
the  Azalea,  Rhododendron,  &c. 


LAVENDULA. 

Lavender. 

Lavendula,  —  so    named  for   its   use   in  fomentations   and 
baths. 


LAVENDTILA.  245 

Lavendula  spicata.  —  Spike-flowered  Lavender.  —  This  is  a 
most  desirable  dwarf  shrub,  with  delicate  glaucous  foliage,  with 
spikes  of  blue  flowers,  in  July;  three  feet  high.  The  whole 
plant  is  delightfully  fragrant,  but  more  particularly  the  flowers. 
These  yield  the  oil  from  which  the  Lavender  water  is  made.  In 
some  soils  and  situations  the  plant  is  tender.  In  cold,  moist 
soil,  it  is  almost  sure  to  be  winter-killed  ;  but,  in  a  dry,  loamy, 
or  gravelly  soil,  it  endures  our  winters  with  but  little  protection. 
We  have  been  successful  in  the  cultivation  of  it  in  a  soil  of  the 
latter  quality,  and,  from  the  flowers  that  grew  upon  (he  edging 
of  a  circular  bed,  six  feet  in  diameter,  obtained  more  than  one 
ounce  of  the  pure  Lavender,  one  drop  of  which  would  perfume 
a  room.  It  is  sometimes  used  for  edgings,  in  milder  climates, 
but  grows  too  high  for  general  use.  As  an  edging  for  a  bed  of 
Moss  Roses,  we  have  seen  it  used  with  pleasing  effect, 

"  The  agreeable  scent  of  Lavender  is  well  known,  since  it  is 
an  old  and  still  a  common  custom  [in  England,  we  suppose,] 
to  scatter  the  flowers  over  linen,  as  some  do  rose  leaves,  for  the 
sake  of  their  sweet  odor." 

"  Pure  Lavender,  to  lay  in  bridal  gown." 

Lavender  water,  too,  as  it  is  usually  called,  although  it  is 
really  spirit  of  wine  scented  with  the  oil  of  Lavender,  is  one  of 
our  most  common  perfumes.  "  The  stalks  of  the  Lavender, 
even  when  the  flowers  have  been  stripped  away,  have  an  agree- 
able scent,  and,  if  burnt,  will  diffuse  it  povverfully  and  pleas- 
antly. To  a  Londoner,  it  becomes  a  kind  of  rural  pleasure  to 
hear  the  cry  of  "  Three  bunches  a  penny,  sweet  Lavender !  " 

"  And  Lavender,  whose  spikes  of  azure  bloom 
Shall  be  erewhile  in  arid  bundles  bound, 
To  lurk  amidst  the  labors  of  the  loom, 
And  crown  her  kerchiefs  clean  with  micke  rare  perfume." 

Lavender  is  easily  propagated  by  cuttings,  or  slips.     It  is  a 
great  pity  that  it  is  not  perfectly  hardy ;  but  as  it  is,  with  a 
little  choice  in  its  location,  it  is  easily  preserved  through  the 
21* 


246  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

winter,  and  worthy  of  all  the  care  and  trouble  that  may  be 
given  to  its  cultivation. 


LIGUSTRUM. 

Privet. 

Ligustrum  vulgare.  —  The  Common  Privet,  or  Prim. — 
The  Privet  shrub  is  a  native  of  Europe,  and  introduced  from 
thence  to  this  country,  and  now  has  become  domesticated  in 
many  parts  of  New  England.  In  England,  the  Privet  is  an 
evergreen,  or  the  leaves  remain  until  driven  off  by  new  ones. 
[n  this  climate  it  is  deciduous,  shedding  its  leaves  late  in 
autumn.  "  In  France  and  Great  Britain,  the  Privet  is  much 
used  for  a  hedge  plant,  either  alone  or  with  other  plants.  Its 
use  for  this  purpose  is  recommended  by  the  beauty  of  the 
foliage,  the  flowers  and  berries,  by  its  rapid  and  easy 
grovirth,  and  by  the  fact  that  it  grows  well  under  the  drip  of 
other  trees,  except  evergreens.  It  flourishes  in  almost  any 
soil,  as  may  be  easily  seen  from  the  variety  of  ground  on 
which  it  has  sown  itself  in  the  vicinity  of  Boston ;  and  it  is 
propagated  by  seeds,  or  by  cuttings,  and  requires  very  little 
pruning.  It  grows  in  clumps,  from  strong,  matted,  bright-yellow 
roots,  in  height  six  or  eight  feet.  Flowers  white,  in  short, 
terminal  panicles,  in  June  ;  the  berries  are  of  a  shining  black." 
—  {Emerson.) 

The  Privet  blossom  has  been  frequently  celebrated  for  its 
whiteness. 

• "  The  Privet,  too, 


Whose  white  flowers  rival  the  first  drifts  of  snow 
On  Grampia's  piny  hills." 

The  blossom  of  the  Privet,  when  exposed  to  the  noonday  sun, 
withers  almost  as  soon  as  blown.  In  the  shade,  it  not  only 
lasts  longer,  but  is  much  larger.  The  leaves,  too,  are  much 
larger  and  finer,  when  so  placed. 


LONICERA  —  LYCITJIM.  S47 

LONICERA. 
Tartarean  Honeysuckle. 

All  the  species  of  this  genus  are  upright,  ornamental  shrubs, 
suitable  for  the  shrubbery,  of  easy  culture. 

Lonicera  Tartarica.  —  Tartarean  Honeysuckle.  —  This  spe- 
cies grows  to  the  height  of  eight  or  ten  feet,  and  is  covered 
with  a  profusion  of  pink  flowers,  in  June,  which  are  succeeded 
by  red  berries.  In  foliage,  flower,  or  fruit,  this  is  a  desirable 
shrub,  and  thrives  in  almost  any  soil  and  situation.  There  is 
a  variety  with  white  flowers  and  yellow  berries.  They  are 
natives  of  Russia,  and  are  propagated  easily  by  cuttings,  lay- 
ers, and  seeds. 

L.  Ledebourii  is  a  new  species,  said  to  be  very  handsome. 
We  imported  a  few  plants  last  season.  The  foliage  is  hand- 
some, and  from  the  few  flowers  that  appeared,  it  promises  to  be 
an  important  addition  to  our  ornamental  shrubs. 


LYCIUM. 

Lycium,  —  so  called  because  the  original  species  was  a  na- 
tive of  Lycia. 

Lycium  larbarum.  —  Willow-leaved  Lycium.  —  This  is  an 
ornamental  climbing  shrub,  valuable  for  covering  arbors,  naked 
walls,  &c.  It  grows  from  four  to  six  feet  in  a  season.  The 
foliage  is  delicate,  and  the  whole  plant  is  covered  with  small, 
but  handsome,  violet  flowers,  from  May  to  August.  It  will  grow 
in  almost  any  soil,  and  is  easily  propagated  from  cuttings  and 
from  suckers.  In  the  shrubbery,  it  may  be  permitted  to  ramble 
at  its  pleasure,  or  trained  to  suit  the  fancy. 


248  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

MAGNOLIA. 

"  This  genus,  named  for  Magnol,  a  distinguished  botanist  in 
France,  contains  trees,  except  M.  glauca,  which,  in  the  North- 
ern States,  is  only  a  shrub ;  all  of  them  beautiful,  and  some  of 
them  the  finest  and  most  splendid  trees  that  are  known. 

"  Magnolia  glauca.  —  The  most  northern  boundary  of  the 
habitation  of  this  beautiful  plant  is  supposed  to  be  in  a  shel- 
tered swamp,  near  Cape  Ann,  and  not  far  from  the  sea. 

"  Few  ornamental  plants  are  better  worth  the  attention  of  the 
gardener.  Carefully  trained,  it  forms  a  beautiful  little  tree.  No 
plant  is,  at  any  season  and  in  every  condition,  more  beautiful. 
The  flower,  pure  white,  two  or  three  inches  broad,  is  as  beauti- 
ful and  almost  as  fragrant  as  the  White  Lily.  The  fruit  is 
a  cone,  about  two  inches  long,  covered  with  scale-like,  imbricated 
ovaries,  from  which,  when  mature,  escape  the  scarlet  obovate 
seeds,  which,  instead  of  falling  at  once  to  the  ground,  remain 
some  time  suspended  by  a  slender  thread.  The  bark  of  the 
young  shoots  is  smooth  and  of  a  rich  apple-green,  afterwards 
becoming  of  a  soft  glaucous  or  whitish  color.  Before  opening, 
the  leaves  are  enclosed  by  the  stipules,  which,  falhng,  leave 
rings  encircling  the  branch ;  when  young  the  leaves  are  cov- 
ered with  a  pubescence,  which,  beneath,  has  a  silken  lustre." 
—  {Emerson.) 

Although  naturally  growing  in  wet  ground,  it  will  flourish 
in  almost  any  good  garden  soil,  if  not  exceedingly  dry,  particu- 
larly if  partially  shaded  from  the  sun.  It  may  be  propagated  by 
layers,  —  which  require  two  years  to  root  sufficiently,  —  or  by 
seed,  if  great  care  is  observed. 

Magnolia  acuminata.  —  Acuminate-leaved  Magnolia.  —  This 
species  attains  the  size  of  a  large  tree  in  a  more  southern  cli- 
mate. In  the  neighborhood  of  Boston  there  are  handsome 
specimens  of  this  magnificent  tree,  but  not  of  a  large  size.  The 
flowers  are  very  conspicuous,  being  five  or  six  inches  across, 
of  a  bluish-white  color,  produced  from    May   to   July.     The 


MAGNOLIA.  249 

foliage  is  very  large.  It  produces  cylindrical  fruit,  three  or 
four  inches  long,  with  the  scarlet  seeds  depending  from  it. 

Magnolia  auricidata.  —  Ear-leaved  Magnolia.  —  This  is  a 
splendid  tree,  and  does  not  grow  to  so  large  a  size  as  the  last, 
but  more  beautiful,  for  shape,  foliage  and  flowers. 

There  are  a  number  of  species  of  this  magnificent  tribe,  that 
succeed  xexY  well  as  far  north  as  Massachusetts,  in  sheltered 
localities ;  but  they  are  not  to  be  depended  upon  where 
exposed  to  cold  winds. 

The  Chinese  Magnolias,  according  to  Mr.  Downing,  are  all 
hardj^  except  one,  {M.  fiiscata,)  in  the  latitude  of  Newburg,  N. 
Y.  Some  of  them  we  have  seen  flourishing  in  this  vicinity, 
and  probably  all  will  succeed  here. 

He  says  :  "  They  are  certainly  among  the  most  striking  and 
ornamental  objects  in  our  pleasure-grounds  and  shrubberies  in 
the  spring.  Indeed,  during  the  months  of  April  and  the  early 
part  of  May,  two  of  them,  the  White,  or  CoTispiciia,  and  Sou- 
lange's  Purple,  or  Soidangiana,  eclipse  every  other  floral  object, 
whether  tree  or  shrub,  that  the  garden  contains.  Their  numer- 
ous branches,  thickly  studded  with  large  flowers,  most  classi- 
cally shaped,  with  thick,  kid-like  petals,  and  rich,  spicy  odor, 
wear  an  aspect  of  novelty  and  beauty  among  the  smaller  blos- 
soms of  the  more  common  trees  and  shrubs  that  blossom  at  that 
earl}^  time,  and  really  fill  the  beholder  with  delight.  The  Chi- 
nese White  Magnolia  {M.  conspicua)  is,  in  eflfect  of  its  blos- 
soms, the  most  charming  of  all  Magnolias.  The  flowers,  in 
color  a  pure,  creamy  white,  are  produced  in  such  abundance, 
that  the  tree,  when  pretty  large,  may  be  seen  at  a  great  dis- 
tance. 

"The  Chinese  name,  Gulan,  literally,  Lily-tree,  is  an  apt  and 
expressive  one,  as  the  blossoms  are  not  much  unlike  those  of  the 
White  Lily  in  size  and  shape,  when  fully  expanded.  Among 
the  Chinese  poets,  they  are  considered  the  emblem  of  candor 
and  beauty." 

Mr.  Downing  speaks  of  a  tree,  about  twenty  feet  high,  planted 
on  the  lawn  in  front  of  his  house  about  fourteen  years  ago,  on 


250  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

which  there  were,  the  season  previous,  three  thousand  blossoms 
open  upon  it  at  once.  "  The  branches  spread  over  a  space  of 
fifteen  feet  in  diameter,  and  the  stem,  near  the  ground,  eight 
inches  in  diameter.  Its  growth  highly  symmetrical.  For  the 
last  ten  years  it  has  never,  in  a  single  season,  failed  to  produce 
a  fine  display  of  blossoms."  He  states,  that  its  usual  period  of 
blossoming  is  from  the  fifth  to  the  twenty-fifth  of  April.  It  is 
grafted  on  the  Cucumber  Tree,  {M.  acuvmiata,)  which  he  sup- 
poses renders  the  tree  more  hardy  and  vigorous  than  it  would 
be  on  its  own  stock  or  root. 

"  The  next  most  ornamental  Chinese  Magnolia,"  he  says, 
"is  Soulange's  Purple,  [Magnolia  Soulangiana.)  This  is  a 
hybrid  seedling,  raised  by  the  late  Chevalier  Soulange  Bodin, 
the  distinguished  French  horticulturist.  The  habit  of  the  tree 
is  closely  similar  to  that  of  the  conspicua  ;  its  blossoms,  equally 
numerous,  are  rather  larger,  but  the  outside  of  the  petals  is 
finely  tinged  with  purple.  It  partakes  of  the  character  of  both 
its  parents,  having  the  growth  of  Magnolia  conspicua,  and  the 
color  of  M.  purpurea,  (or,  indeed,  a  lighter  shade  of  purple.) 
Its  term  of  blooming  is,  also,  mid-way  between  that  of  these 
two  species,  being  about  a  week  later  than  that  of  the  white, 
or  Gulan  Magnolia.  It  is  also  perfectly  hardy  in  this  latitude." 
The  Magnolia  purpurea  is  sometimes  seen  in  large  gardens 
about  Boston,  but  is  a  little  tender.  "  It  is  a  shrub  of  six  to 
eight  feet  high.  The  blossoms  are  white  within,  of  a  fine 
dark-lilac  or  purple  on  the«outside,  and  quite  fragrant,  like  the 
others."  The  flowers  begin  to  open  early  in  May,  and  con- 
tinue blooming  a  number  of  weeks,  or,  if  in  the  shade,  through 
most  of  the  summer.  M.  gracilis  differs  from  the  purple-flow- 
ering only  in  its  more  slender  growth,  and  narrower  leaves  and 
petals. 

The  same  gentleman  remarks,  that,  "  If  these  noble  flowering 
trees  have  a  defect,  it  is  one  which  is  inseparable  from  the 
early  period  at  which  they  bloom,  viz.,  that  of  having  few  or 
no  leaves  when  the  blossoms  are  in  their  full  perfection  ;"  and 
suggests,  that  the  planting  of  the  American  Arbor  Vitse  and 


MAHONIA PAULOWNIA.  251 

Hemlock,  would  remedy  this  defect,  by  forming  a  dark-green 
background,  on  which  the  beautiful  masses  of  Magnolia  flow- 
ers would  appear  to  great  advantage. 


MAHONIA. 

Mahonia  aquifolium.  —  Ilex-leaved  Mahonia.  —  This  is  an 
elegant  evergreen'shrub,  three  or  four  feet  high,  with  clusters 
of  yellow  flowers,  in  May  or  June,  succeeded  by  bunches  of 
blue  berries.  The  leaves  are  compound,  with  somewhat 
prickly  points,  very  glossy  green,  inclining  to  purplish-brown, 
and,  in  those  that  are  young,  various  shades  of  crimson  and 
purple,  giving  the  plant  a  very  rich  appearance.  The  foliage 
remains  in  perfection  during  the  winter,  where  screened  from 
the  sun  by  trees,  or  covered  with  snow  or  straw.  In  autumn 
the  foliage  is  very  gay,  as  on  the  same  plant  there  will  be 
bright-green,  purple,  brown  and  crimson  leaves. 


PAULOWNIA. 

Paulownia  imperialis.  — This  is  a  magnificent  tree,  of  recent 
introduction.  To  all  appearances  it  will  not  grow  to  a  very 
large  size  in  our  climate.  As  it  is  perfectly  hardy  it  will  be  a 
rich  addition  to  our  collection  for  the  shrubbery  or  lawn.  We 
have  not  yet  seen  the  flowers.  We  planted  a  number  of  trees 
three  years  since,  which  endured  the  two  last  winters  to  per- 
fection. These  trees  were  not  pruned,  but  the  branches  were 
permitted  to  strike  out  near  the  ground  for  the  purpose  of  lay- 
ering. As  they  now  appear,  they  would  be  ornamental  in  the 
shrubbery,  even  without  bloom,  on  account  of  their  showy- 
foliage.  Mr.  Downing  has  given  us  a  description  of  this  tree, 
in  the  Horticulturist,  and  we  will  give  his  full  and  interesting 
description  of  it  as  we  find  it  in  vol.  i.,  page  16  :  — 


252  beeck's  book  of  flowers. 

"  The  striking-  peculiarity  of  the  Paulownia,  however,  is  its 
showy  foliage.  The  leaves  are  the  shape  of  those  of  the  Ca- 
talpa,  but  of  a  darker  green,  perhaps  resembling  more  closely 
those  of  a  large  Sun-flower  —  being  broad  and  heart-shaped. 
In  rich  soil  the  growth  of  the  tree  is  extremely  rapid  —  young 
plants  making  shoots  of  eight  or  ten  feet  in  a  season,  and  on 
such  we  have  measured  leaves  a  foot  and  a  half  in  diameter. 
But  on  older  trees  they  are  usually  about  half  that  size. 

"  The  flowers  are  produced  in  April,  in  pahicles,  at  the  ends 
of  the  branches.  They  resemble  in  general  appearance  those 
of  the  Catalpa,  but  the  color  is  a  pale-bluish  violet.  The  seeds 
are  borne  in  an  oval  capsule  as  large  as  a  pigeon's  egg. 

"  When  the  Paulownia  was  first  introduced  into  the  Garden 
of  Plants,  at  Paris,  it  was  treated  as  a  delicate  green-house 
plant.  It  was  soon  found,  however,  that  it  was  perfectly  hardy 
on  the  Continent  and  in  England.  In  this  country,  it  appears 
equally  so.  The  trees  in  this  latitude  have  stood  the  past  two 
winters,  even  in  exposed  situations,  without  covering,  and  have 
not  lost  an  inch  of  the  previous  season's  growth.  We,  there- 
fore, consider  it  a  hardier  tree  than  the  Catalpa,  which  often 
suffers  badly  from  the  cold  of  this  latitude.  Nothing  is  easier 
than  the  propagation  of  this  tree.  Single  buds  will  grow,  like 
those  of  the  Mulberry  and  the  Vine,  taken  off  early  in  the  spring, 
and  covered  about  an  inch  deep  in  the  soil  of  a  fresh  hot-bed. 
The  cuttings  of  the  young  shoots,  planted  under  a  hand-glass 
in  a  shady  border,  strike  root  readily.  But  by  far  the  easiest 
and  most  rapid  mode  is  that  of  planting  pieces  of  the  roots. 

"  Every  little  piece  of  the  root  of  the  Paulownia  will,  under 
certain  conditions,  produce  a  plant.  It  is  only  necessary  to 
make  a  common  hot-bed  early  in  the  spring,  reduce  the  roots 
of  the  parent  tree,  (and  it  will  bear  a  very  severe  reduction,) 
and  plant  every  piece  that  will  make  a  cutting  not  smaller  than 
a  goose-quill,  and  a  couple  of  inches  long.  Plant  these  bits  of 
roots  about  an  inch  and  a  half  deep  in  the  rich,  light  soil  of  the 
hot-bed.  In  a  fortnight's  time  every  bit  will  throw  up  a  bud, 
make  new  roots,  and  become  a  distinct  plant.    When  the  plants 


PEONY PHILADELPHUS. 

are  about  three  inches  high,  they  may  be  transplanted  into 
rows,  beds,  borders,  or,  in  short,  wherever  they  are  finally  to 
grow.  If  the  season  is  favorable,  they  will  grow  to  the  height 
of  from  three  to  six  feet  before  the  close  of  the  autumn.  Next 
year,  if  the  soil  is  deep,  they  will  make  shoots  eight  or  ten  feet 
long. 

"  When  the  Paulownia  vi'as  first  ofiered  for  sale  in  Europe, 
about  three  years  ago,  it  was  advertised  by  the  Brothers  Bau- 
mann,  the  great  nurserymen  of  the  Rhine,  at  from  three  to  six 
guineas  per  plant.  From  the  rapidity  with  which  the  nursery- 
men are  propagating  it  now,  in  this  country,  we  have  no  doubt 
it  may  be  bought  next  autumn,  at  wholesale,  at  about  the  same 
price  per  hundred  trees. 

"  The  parent  tree,  in  the  Jardin  des  Flantes,  Paris,  has 
already  borne  seeds,  in  considerable  quantity,  which  have  vege- 
tated very  regularly.  The  tree  has  not  yet,  to  our  knowledge, 
flowered  in  this  country,  but  will  probably  do  so  next  spring. 
As  soon  as  the  seeds  are  produced  in  abundance,  we  advise  cul- 
tivators to  resort  to  them  —  the  best  of  all  modes  of  propagat- 
ing ornamental  trees  —  when  it  is  possible  to  do  so." 


PEONY. 


PcBonia  moutan,  and  its  varieties,  are  magnificent  plants  for 
the  front  rank  in  the  shrubbery ;  —  for  description  of  them,  and 
modes  of  culture,  see  Pseonia,  under  the  head  of  Bulbous  and 
Tuberous  Roots.  —  See  page  68. 


PHILADELPHUS. 

Syringa. 

From   Ptolemy  PhiladelphTis,  King  of  Egypt.     It  is  also 
called  Mock  Orange. 
22 


254  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

The  Syringa  is  a  most  delicious  shrub :  the  foliage  is  luxuri- 
ant, the  blossom  beautiful  and  abundant,  white  as  the  purest 
Lily,  and  of  the  most  fragrant  scent.  In  a  room,  indeed,  this  per- 
fume is  too  powerful,  but  in  the  air  it  is  remarkably  agreeable. 
There  is  a  variety  which  has  no  scent,  and  also  a  dwarf  variety, 
which  does  not  usually  exceed  three  feet  in  height.  The  flow- 
ers sweet,  and  some  double. 

"The  sweet  Syringa,  yielding  but  in  scent 
To  the  rich  Orange,  or  the  Woodbine  wild. 
That  loves  to  hang  on  barren  boughs,  remote, 
Her  wreaths  of  flowery  perfunie." 

All  the  species  are  propagated  by  suckers,  layers,  or  cuttings, 
and  thrive  in  any  good  garden  soil. 

P.  grandijlorus.  —  Large-flowering  Syringa.  —  This  is  the 
handsomest  of  the  genus.  It  is  perfectly  hardy,  growing  in 
any  soil  or  situation,  forming  a  spreading  shrub  about  six  feet 
or  more  high  ;   flowering  in  June  and  July. 

P.  hirsutus.  —  This  shrub  grows  from  four  to  five  feet  high. 
Like  the  last,  it  is  a  native  of  North  America,  where  it  was 
discovered  by  IMr.  Nuttall.  It  thrives  in  the  shrubbery  in  any 
common  garden  soil,  and  is  propagated  like  the  others. 

P.  coronarius,  —  or  Common  Syringa,  —  greatly  resembles 
the  other ;  grows  about  five  feet  high,  and  is  delightfully  fra- 
grant when  in  bloom.     Flowers  in  June  and  July. 


PRUNUS. 

Plum,. 

The  genus  are  natives  of  North  America,  Europe,  and  Asia. 
Many  of  them  are  thorny  plants  in  the  wild  state.  They  have 
showy  flowers,  in  clusters.  Some  of  the  species  are  esteemed 
ornamental. 

'Primus  candicaTis.  —  This  is  a  delightful,  hardy,  deciduous 
shrub,  growing  about  six  or  eight  feet  high.     It  is  very  easy 


PYRiTs,  255 

of  cultivation,  and  in  May  and  June,  when  in  full  flower,  is  a 
perfect  picture,  the  white  flowers  nearly  hiding  the  young 
leaves,  which  are  beginning  at  that  time  to  cover  the  branches. 
It  may  either  be  propagated  by  layers,  or  by  budding  and 
grafting  on  the  common  plum  stock. 

P.  sibirica  scarcely  grows  so  large  as  the  candicans  ;  thrives 
well  in  almost  any  soil  and  situation,  and  makes  a  pretty  orna- 
ment when  in  flower.  It  may  be  increased  both  by  layers  and 
budding,  or  grafting  on  a  common  plum  stock. 


P  YRUS. 

The  Apple,  the  Pear,  the  Service,  the  Beam  tree,  and  the 
Mountain  Ash,  besides  several  less  important  plants,  belong  to 
this  genus. 

Pyrus  coronaria.  —  Sweet-scented  Crab.  —  This  beautiful 
Crab  tree  is  a  native  of  North  America.  It  grows  upwards  of 
twenty  feet  high.  In  May,  when  it  flowers,  a  delightful  fra- 
grance is  emitted,  which  in  the  evening  perfumes  the  whole  of 
that  part  of  the  garden.  It  will  grow  in  almost  any  low  situa- 
tion, and  may  be  propagated  by  grafting  on  other  crab  stocks, 
or  by  layers. 

P .  Jlorihmida.  —  This  forms  a  broad-spreading,  but  not  very 
lofty,  bush,  which  in  spring  is  thickly  covered  with  blossoms, 
and  in  autumn  with  purple  berries.  It  grows  freely  in  com- 
mon garden  soil,  and  may  be  propagated  by  the  same  means 
as  coronaria. 

P.  spuria.  —  A  small  deciduous  shrub,  very  hardy,  and  easy 
of  propagation.  Grafted  upon  the  common  stock,  or  crab  or 
pear  stocks,  it  grows  very  freely. 

P.  angustifolia.  —  This  very  pretty  shrub  rarely  loses  all  its 
leaves ;  for,  although  not  an  evergreen,  the  leaves  of  the  previ- 
ous year  seldom  fall  until  new  ones  are  produced.  It  resem- 
bles in  size  P.  coronaria,  seldom  growing  above  eight  feet 
high.     It  is  propagated  by  grafting  on  the  crab  stock,  and  by 


256  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

layers.  Flowers  pink,  in  May.  Grows  from  ten  to  twenty 
feet  high. 

P.  prmiifolia.  —  Siberian  Crab.  —  This  well-knowTi  species 
is  a  native  of  Siberia.  It  is  not  only  ornamental  in  flower, 
but  in  fruit.  There  are  two  varieties,  one  with  scarlet,  the 
other  with  yellow,  fruit.  The  fruit  is  sometimes  used  as  a 
preserve,  but  it  is  more  ornamental  than  useful.  The  tree 
grows  fifteen  to  twenty  feet  high ;  in  flower  in  May.  Propa- 
gated by  grafting  or  budding. 

P.  Americana.  —  American  Mountain  Ash.  —  This  shrub, 
or  small  tree,  has  a  strong  resemblance  to  the  European  Moun- 
tain Ash,  but  is  much  more  dwarf  and  bushy.  It  grows  sixteen, 
to  twenty  feet  high.  The  flowers,  which  expand  early  in 
June,  are  white.  The  fruit  is  first  orange,  then  turns  to  a 
bright-scarlet,  and  very  much  like  the  imported  species. 

P.  aucupana.  —  European  Mountain  Ash.  —  This  is  more 
graceful  in  its  habits  than  the  American  species,  making  quite 
a  handsome  tree,  of  twenty-five  or  thirty  feet  in  height.  The 
foliage  of  both  kinds  is  graceful,  but  this  species  is  the  most 
delicate.  The  berries  are  more  compact,  and  produced  in 
great  profusion.  These  constitute  the  great  ornament  of  the 
tree. 

Mr.  Emerson  informs  us  "that  the  English  Mountain  Ash 

is  commonly  known  in   England  by  the  name  of  Rowan  or 

Roan-tree,  and,  in  some  districts,  Witchen,  and  has  long  been 

considered  of  sovereign  power  against  witches  and  evil  spirits, 

and  all  their  fascinations  and  spells.     For  this  purpose  it  was 

made  into  walking-sticks,  or  branches  of  it  were  hung  about 

the  house  or  about  stables  and  cow-houses.     In  a  stanza  of  an 

ancient  song,  quoted  by  the  author  of  '  Sylvan  Sketches,'  we 

have :  — 

'  Their  spells  were  vain  ;  the  hags  returned 

To  the  queen  in  sorrowful  mood, 

Crying  that  witches  have  no  power 

Where  there  is  Roan-tree  wood.' 

She  adds,  —  '  This  last  line  leads  to  the  true  reading  of  a  line 


RHAMNUS.  257 

m  Shakspeare's  tragedy  of  Macbeth.  The  sailor's  wife,  on 
the  witch's  requesting  some  chestnuts,  hastily  answers,  "  A 
rowan-tree,  witch ! "  but  all  the  editions  have,  "  Aroint  thee, 
witch  !  "  which  is  nonsense,  and  evidently  a  corruption.' 

"  As  the  Rowan-tree  grows  freely  in  the  most  exposed  situa- 
tions, it  is  often  planted  as  a  nurse  to  young  trees  of  slow 
growth,  exposed  to  the  sea-breeze,  and  it  has  the  great  advan- 
tage of  not  growing  above  a  certain  height,  so  that  when  it  has 
performed  its  office  it  does  not  interfere  with  the  growth  of  the 
oaks  and  other  trees  for  whose  benefit  they  were  planted.  It 
flourishes  best  in  a  good  moist  soil,  in  any  easy  exposure." 

The  trees  are  easily  raised  from  the  seed.  If  sown  in 
autumn,  the  young  plants  will  appear  in  eighteen  months. 


RHAMNUS. 

The  Buckthorn. 

Rhamnus,  —  from  the  Celtic  ram,  signifying  branching,  A 
genus  of  shrubby  plants,  of  no  great  interest,  except  for  their 
medicinal  qualities,  or  for  the  uses  of  their  berries  for  dyes  or 
paints,  or  the  wood  of  some  species  for  carving  into  images. 

R.  cathartica,  —  the  Common  Buckthorn,  —  is  a  well- 
known  shrub,  or  small  tree,  "  the  fruit  of  which  was  formerly 
employed,  in  medicine,  as  a  purgative,  but  it  is  too  violent  and 
drastic  to  be  safely  used,  and  is  now  chiefly  confined  to  veteri- 
nary practice,  to  which  it  is  well  adapted.  The  saffron- 
colored  juice  of  the  unripe  berries,  called  French  berries  by 
dyers,  is  used  as  paint  and  a  dye.  Sap-green  is  made  of  the 
inspissated  juice  of  the  ripe  berries,  with  alum  and  gum 
Arabic.  If  gathered  very  late,  they  yield  a  purple,  instead  of 
a  green,  color.  The  bark  furnishes  a  beautiful  yellow  dye,  or, 
dried,  it  colors  brown.  The  wood  of  the  roots  is  yellowish- 
brown,  with  a  satin  lustre,  and  veiy  compact,  and  may  be 
employed  by  the  turner."  —  [Emerson.) 
22* 


258  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

The  great  value  of  the  Buckthorn,  with  us,  is  for  hedges. 
It  is  perfectly  hardy,  grows  rapidly,  and  bears  pruning  better 
than  any  other  shrub  with  which  we  are  acquainted.  Another 
important  item  in  its  value  is,  that  it  is  never  attacked  by 
insects  of  any  description.  It  is,  also,  very  tough,  and  flourishes 
in  any  soil.  No  animal,  except  sheep  or  goats,  will  feed  upon 
it.  We  consider  it,  therefore,  the  only  plant  for  general  use 
for  the  formation  of  hedges.  "  It  puts  forth  its  leaves  early  in 
the  spring,  and  retains  them  late  in  the  fall,  and  its  bunches  of 
rich  berries  are  very  showy  in  autumn." 

The  plants  are  easily  raised  from  seed,  which  may  be  planted 
either  in  the  fall  or  very  early  in  the  spring.  When  planted 
in  autumn,  it  may  be  done  as  soon  as  the  berries  mature. 

The  berries  should  be  first  mashed  and  washed,  so  that  they 
may  be  planted  more  evenly.  The  seed  may  be  sown  in  drills 
eighteen  inches  apart,  or  in  beds.  The  fall-sown  seed  will 
vegetate  very  early  in  the  spring,  while  those  sown  in  the 
spring  will  not  appear  under  four  or  five  weeks  from  the  time 
of  planting.  The  second  year,  the  plants  may  be  transferred  to 
the  nursery,  and  should  be  headed  down  as  soon  as  they  begin 
to  grow.  This  causes  them  to  thicken  at  the  bottom ;  a  very 
important  point  to  be  remembered,  for  unless  they  are  first 
grown  with  branches  from  the  bottom,  no  after  cultivation  can 
remedy  the  neglect. 

The  best  hedges  we  have  seen  were  those  where  the  plants 
were  placed  in  a  single  line,  six  inches  distant  from  each  other. 


RHODODENDRON. 

American  Rose  Bay. 

Rhododendro7i  maximum.  —  The  generic  name  is  derived 
from  the  Greek,  rhodon,  a  rose,  and  dendron,  a  tree,  because 
the  flowers  resemble,  in  color,  bunches  of  roses.  In  the  North- 
ern States,  it  is  a  straggliiig  shrub,  of  very  irregular  growth, 


RHODODENDRON.  239 

but  one  of  the  most  magnificent  in  foliage  and  flower  the  coun- 
try can  boast  of.  It  is  ab;indant  in  the  Middle  States,  and  in 
the  mountainous  tracts  of  the  Southern,  but  in  New  England 
rare.  It  is  found  near  Portland,  Leicester,  and  in  a  swamp  in 
Medfield,  in  this  state. 

The  Rhododendron  is  generally  under  ten  feet  in  height  in 
this  part  of  the  country,  but  sometimes  attains  the  height  of 
twenty  or  twenty-five  feet  in  a  less  rigorous  climate.  The 
places  where  it  is  found,  in  New  England,  may  be  considered  as 
beyond  its  proper  natural  limits,  and  it  will  be  met  with  only  in 
warm  swamps,  under  the  shelter  of  evergreens,  and  where  the 
roots  are  protected  by  water,  which  usually  overflows  these 
places. 

The  flower-buds  are  often  destroyed,  even  thus  situated,  in 
very  severe  seasons.  When  the  leaves  are  beginning  to 
unfold  themselves  they  are  rose-colored,  and  covered  with  red 
down.  When  fully  expanded,  they  are  smooth,  five  or  six 
inches  long,  of  an  elongated  oval  form,  and  of  a  thick  coria- 
ceous texture.  They  are  evergreen,  and  partially  renewed  once 
in  three  or  four  years.  It  puts  forth  flowers  in  June  and  July, 
which  are,  commonly,  rose-colored,  with  yellow  or  orange  dots 
on  the  inside,  and  sometimes  pure  white,  or  shaded  with  lake. 
They  are  always  collected  at  the  extremity  of  the  branches,  in 
beautiful  groups,  which  derive  additional  lustre  from  the  foliage 
that  surrounds  them.  Previous  to  its  expansion,  the  whole 
bud  form.s  one  large  compound  bud,  resembling  a  strobilus  or 
cone,  each  individual  one  being  covered  by  a  rhomboidal  bracte, 
which  falls  ofT  when  the  flower  expands.  The  corolla  is  mo- 
nopetalous,  (one  piece  or  petal,)  funnel-shaped,  with  a  short  tube, 
the  border  div^ided  into  five  large,  unequal  segments.  There 
is  but  a  small  chance  of  plants  succeeding  which  have  been 
taken  from  swamps.  The  surest  way  to  propagate  it  is  by  seed, 
from  which  it  readily  grows,  but  requires  time  and  patience  to 
bring  it  into  a  flowering  state. 

Shade  and  humidity  seem  almost  indispensable  to  the  growth 
of  this  shrub.     Deeply  shaded  situations,  where  the  atmosphere 


260  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

is  laden  with  vapors,  are  most  congenial  to  its  growth.  It  is, 
therefore,  well  calculated  for  the  shrubbery.  With  a  little 
attention,  it  may  be  inured  to  stand  the  sun,  and  then  forms  a 
stately  ornament  for  the  lawn  or  grass-plot.  The  proper  soil 
is  a  light,  rich,  peaty  loam,  with  moisture.  It  will  grow,  how- 
ever, in  almost  any,  and  flourish  on  a  strong,  heavy  loam. 
It  may  be  propagated  from  cuttings  and  layers,  from  young, 
healthy  branches  of  ripened  wood,  and,  managed  as  ordinary 
plants,  thus  increased.  There  are  many  exotic  species,  which 
are  beautiful,  and  highly  ornamental  to  the  green-house.  R. 
ponticuvi  and  many  others  will  withstand  the  winter  in  the 
open  ground,  if  well  protected,  as  most  of  them  are  natives  of 
cold,  mountainous  regions,  and  covered  in  the  winter  by  Alpine 
snows. 

R.  maximum  is  one  of  the  parents  from  which  a  numerous 
family  of  splendid  varieties  have  been  produced,  all  equally 
hardy,  and  are  only  to  be  known,  and  their  cultivation  under- 
stood, to  make  them  more  common.  The  Messrs.  Hoveys 
have  exhibited,  at  the  Horticultural  Rooms,  the  flowers  of  many 
splendid  varieties,  grown  in  their  nurseries,  at  Cambridge,  in 
the  open  ground,  fully  exposed  to  the  sun,  in  a  rather  low, 
moist  location,  and  a  peaty  soil. 

PROPAGATION    OF    RHODODENDRON    BY    LAYERS. 

"  When  the  plants  are  in  full  growth,  merely  peg  down  the 
young  shoots,  without  any  incision,  and  cover  them  with  about 
two  inches  of  soil,  and  by  the  following  spring  they  will  be 
ready  to  separate. 

"  Cuttings  of  half-ripened  wood,  planted  under  a  hand-glass, 
in  September,  on  a  north  border,  in  peat  earth,  will  often  strike 
and  make  good  plants,  but  layers  are  preferable. 

"  SejMrat'mg  the  plant  at  the  roots.  —  This  is  merely  tearing 
off',  or  separating  with  a  sharp  knife,  those  branches  with  roots 
attached  to  them,  which  is  the  case  when  many  branching 
stems  spring  from  the  same  root. 

"  By  seed.  —  Sow  the  seed  on   a  bed  of  peat  soil,  (heath 


EHODOR  A RHUS.  26 1 

mould,)  if  there  is  a  considerable  quantity  ;  but  if  only  a  small 
portion,  sow  in  a  pan,  or  box,  because  of  the  ease  with  which 
the  latter  can  be  protected  by  placing  it  in  a  frame.  If  sown 
on  a  bed,  shelter  the  plants  while  young,  from  heavy  rains,  &c., 
by  mats,  or  hoops.  Transplant,  when  large  enough,  into  other 
beds,  or  into  pots,  and  continue  to  shift  them,  every  two  years, 
till  they  are  large  enough  to  plant  into  their  permanent  situ- 
ations." 


RHODORA. 

False  Honeysuckle. 

On  the  margin  of  swamps  and  in  wet  meadows  may  be 
found  the  Rhodora  canadensis,  a  beautiful  shrub,  frequently  in 
large  masses,  of  many  yards  in  circumference,  and  when  in 
bloom,  in  May,  presents  a  magnificent  appearance. 

The  flowers  appear  on  the  extremity  of  the  branches  before 
the  leaves  are  perfectly  expanded,  are  of  a  fine  purple,  in  shape 
somewhat  resembling  the  Honeysuckle,  whence  its  common 
name,  False  Honeysuckle ;  from  two  to  three  feet  high. 

I  have  been  successful  with  this  fine  shrub,  by  taking  large 
masses  of  it  from  the  meadows,  with  the  earth  attached  to  the 
roots,  and  planting  in  a  most  soil ;  also,  by  taking  the  suckers, 
which  it  throws  up  as  freely  as  the  Lilac.  It  will  flourish  with- 
out much  difficulty. 

— ♦ — 

RHUS. 

•    Sumach. 

Rhus,  —  derived  from  the  same  root  as  Rosa,  rhudd,  in  Cel- 
tic, signifying  red,  on  account  of  the  color  of  the  fruit. 

Some  of  the  species  are  valuable  in  the  arts,  for  tanning, 
dyeing,  varnish,  &c.  The  Sumachs  are  much  cultivated  for 
their  singularity,  and  for  the  beauty  of  the  foliage,  especially 
in  autumn,  when  it  assumes  the  richest  colors.  "  The  most 
elegant  species  cannot  be  safely  admitted  into  a  garden,  on 
account  of  their  poisonous  qualities." 


breck's  book  of  flowers. 

Rhus  typhina.  — Stag's-Horn  Sumach.  —  This  is  one  of  the 
safe  species,  and  highly  ornamental  in  the  shrubbery,  on 
account  of  its  elegant  compound  leaves  and  bunches  of  rich 
scarlet  berries.  The  shrub,  which  grows  to  the  height  of  twelve 
to  twenty  feet,  is  ugly  shaped,  its  branches  being  rather  naked 
and  crooked.  It  must,  therefore,  be  planted  with  other  shrubs, 
so  as  to  conceal,  as  much  as  possible,  the  crooked,  irregular 
stems  and  branches.  There  is  no  particular  beauty  in  the 
flowers  ;  but  in  July  and  August  the  heads  of  berries  begin  to 
assume  a  rich  scarlet  color,  afterwards  turning  to  purple,  and 
remain  conspicuous  and  beautiful  into  winter  ;  while  in  autumn 
the  leaves  begin  early  to  turn,  and  become  of  a  red  color,  with 
various  shades  of  yellow,  orange,  and  purple.  The  ends  of 
the  branches,  from  their  irregularity  and  the  abundant  down 
with  which  they  are  covered,  resemble  the  young  horns  of  the 
stag,  whence  their  name. 

Rhus  copalli7ia, — The  Mountain  Sumach,  —  is  another 
beautiful  species,  "  found  growing  on  dry  rocks,  or  sandy  hills, 
about  the  same  height  of  the  last,  in  favorable,  protected  situ- 
ations, but  usually  about  three  to  five  feet.  The  varnished  pol- 
ish of  the  leaves,  and  the  rich  purple  they  assume  in  autumn, 
as  well  as  the  scarlet  of  the  leafy  heads  of  fruit,  make  this 
species  one  of  the  most  beautiful  of  the  genus." 

Rhus  glabra.  —  The  Smooth  Sumach. — This  is  a  hand- 
some, spreading,  leafy  bush,  usually  four  to  six,  rarely  ten,  feet 
high.  The  leaves  are  compound,  smooth,  of  a  rich  green. 
The  flowers  are  disposed  of  in  a  large  green  head,  of  yellow- 
ish-green color,  and  agreeable  fragrance.  The  velvety  crimson 
heads  of  berries  on  this  plant,  as  on  the  others,  are  very  acid 
and  astringent.     The  leaves  are  used  in  tanning. 

Rhus  cotinus.  — Venetian  Sumach,  or  Smoke  Tree.  —  This 
species  is  much  cultivated  as  an  ornamental  shrub.  It  is  a 
crooked,  straggling  growing  plant,  from  ten  to  fifteen  feet  high. 
No  attempt  should  be  made  to  make  it  grow  straight  by  prun- 
ing, as  it  looks  the  best  when  left  to  itself,  clothed  with  branches 
to  the  ground.     Persons  ignorant  of  the  habits  of  the  shrub, 


RHUS.  263 

often  complain  of  nurserymen  because  they  do  not  give  them 
regular-shaped  plants ;  but  this  is  impossible,  nor  is  it  desira- 
ble. 

The  foliage  is  handsome ;  the  flowers  are  disposed  of  in 
large  panicles,  first  green,  changing  to  a  reddish-brown,  and 
afterwards  a  brownish  smoke  color.  The  flowers,  or  append- 
ages to  them,  have  the  appearance  of  downy  silk,  in  light, 
airy  masses,  and,  as  the  plant  is  nearly  covered  with  these 
graceful  clusters,  have  some  resemblance  to  puffs  of  smoke 
emerging  from  the  graceful  leaves. 

It  is  propagated  from  layers,  very  readily,  and  probably  from 
seed,  which,  however,  we  have  never  seen.  It  is  well  adapted 
to  the  shrubbery. 

"  In  Greece  and  Russia,  the  shrub  is  used  for  tanning,  and  for 
dyeing  a  rich,  beautiful  yellow,  and  in  Italy  and  about  Venice, 
for  dyeing  black,  and  also  for  tanning." 

The  poisonous  species  of  Rhus  to  be  avoided  are,  R.  venenata 
and  R.  toxicodendron. 

Rhus  venenata.  —  The  Poison  Sumach,  or  Dogwood. — 
"  This  is  the  most  poisonous  woody  plant  of  New  England. 
Some  persons  are  so  susceptible  to  its  influence  as  to  be  poi- 
soned by  the  air  blowing  from  it,  or  being  near  a  fire  on  which 
it  is  burning.  The  poison  shows  itself  in  painful  and  long- 
continued  swellings  and  eruptions  of  the  face  and  hands,  and 
other  parts  of  the  body.  The  effects  are  exasperated  by  smell- 
ing or  handling  the  plant.  Other  persons  handle  and  rub  it, 
and  even  chew  and  swallow  the  leaves,  with  impunity. 

"  The  Poison  Sumach  is,  perhaps,  the  most  beautiful  plant  of 
the  swamps."  It  is  a  shrub  from  eight  to  fifteen  feet  in  height. 
The  leaves  are  compound,  having  from  three  to  thirteen  leaf- 
lets, that  are  attached  to  the  mid-rib  without  much  if  any  stem, 
or,  as  the  botanist  terms  it,  "  nearly  sessile."  The  leaves  are 
a  dark-green,  with  a  rich  polish  ;  the  veins  of  a  purplish-red 
above,  much  paler,  sometimes  downy,  beneath. 

The  flowers,  which  are  small  and  greenish-yellow,  are  in  open, 
loose  panicles,  ten  or  twelve  inches  long,  from  the  axils  of  the 


BRECK  S    BOOK    OF    FLOWERS. 

leaves.  These  are  succeeded  by  pendent  clusters  of  whitish 
berries.  The  writer  has  had  painful  experience,  in  his  younger 
days,  of  the  bad  influence  of  this  plant  upon  his  person,  having 
been  thoroughly  poisoned  a  number  of  times  by  approaching 
it.  I  imagined  that  it  would  poison  me  when  I  came  near 
the  plant,  even  without  a  touch ;  therefore,  always  carefully 
avoided  it. 

R.  toxicodendron.  —  Poison  Ivy.  —  "This  is  a  handsome 
climbing  plant,  and  would  be  desirable  for  covering  walls, 
trees,  &c.,  were  it  not  for  its  poisonous  qualities.  It  is  very 
hardy,  frequent  in  moist  or  shady  places,  climbing  over  rocks, 
to  which  it  attaches  itself  by  numerous  radicles,  which  pene- 
trate the  investing  lichens,  or  over  bushes,  or  along  the  trunks 
of  trees,  often  to  a  great  height,  fastening  itself  to  the  bark  so 
firmly  that  it  breaks  more  readily  than  it  is  detached,  and  so 
closely  as  to  impede  the  growth  of  the  plant.  The  leaves  are 
smooth,  and  shining  on  both  surfaces.  The  plant  is  poisonous, 
like  the  last,  but  in  an  inferior  degree." 


RIBES. 

Currant. 

The  Currant  family  is  familiar  to  all,  on  account  of  the 
grateful  and  healthy  fruit  which  some  of  the  species  produce. 
Some  of  the  tribe  are  highly  ornamental,  and  desirable  in  the 
shrubbery. 

Rihes  sanguineuvi. —  Red-flowering  Currant.  —  This  is  a 
very  handsome  ornamental  species,  producing  pendent  racemes 
of  rich  deep-red  flowers,  in  May.  The  shrub  is  about  three 
feet  high  ;  the  foliage  elegant.  The  plant  is  easily  propagated 
by  cuttings.  I  find  it  is  rather  tender,  the  extremities  of  the 
branches  being  often  killed  in  this  climate.  Probably,  if  planted 
the  north  side  of  a  wall,  or  where  it  is  partially  shaded  with 
evergreens,  it  would  succeed  better. 

Bibes  speciosa.  —  Crimson-flowering  Currant.  —  The  flowers 


ROBINIA.  265 

are  a  bright-crimson,  far  superior  in   brilliancy  to  sanguineum. 
It  is  not  very  common,  and,  like  the  last,  somewhat  tender. 

R.  fragrans.  —  Fragrant  Currant.  —  This,  with  the  red- 
flowering  varieties,  are  natives  of  North  America.  This  spe- 
cies produces  a  profusion  of  yellow,  fragrant  flowers,  in  May, 
perfuming  the  whole  region  in  its  neighborhood. 

R.  aureum.  —  Golden-flowered  Currant.  —  A  native  of 
Missouri,  is  very  much  like  the  last ;  all  are  propagated  like 
the  common  Currant. 

R.  sanguineum  fiore  plena.  —  The  Double  Crimson  Currant. 
—  We  have  not  seen  this  beautiful  flower,  but,  according  to 
Mr.  Downing's  description,  it  must  be  very  desirable.  He 
says  :  "  This  new  and  charming  variety  of  the  Crimson-flow- 
ering Currant,  is  a  seedling  from  R.  sanguineum,  by  Mr.  David 
Dick,  gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Selkirk.  It  is  but  just  intro- 
duced into  this  country,  but  since,  like  all  the  Currant  genus,  it 
is  very  easily  propagated  by  cuttings,  we  hope  speedily  to  see 
it  in  every  good  collection  of  shrubs. 

The  blossoms  are  larger  than  the  single  variety,  the  racemes 
from  three  to  six  inches  in  length ;  and  the  effect  of  the  shrub, 
when  laden,  in  spring,  with  their  fine  pendent  blossoms,  is  very 
rich  and  striking.  Its  flowers  open,  according  to  Paxton's  Mag- 
azine, about  three  weeks  later  than  those  of  the  parent  species. 


ROBINIA. 

Locust. 

Robinia,  in  memory  of  Jean  Robin,  herbarist  to  Henry  IV., 
of  France. 

A  North  American  genus  of  a  few  species  of  trees  or 
shrubs,  bearing  a  profusion  of  handsome,  pea-shaped  flowers,  in 
long,  pendent  racemes,  and  elegant  compound  leaves. 

Robinia  pseaudacacia.  —  The  Common  Locust.  —  This  is 
too  well  known  to  make  it  necessary  to  give  a  description. 
23 


266  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

Were  it  not  for  the  ravages  of  a  species  of  borer,  which  at- 
tacks this  tree,  oftentimes  destroying  them  in  a  few  years,  it 
would  be  one  of  the  finest  in  existence  for  the  back-ground  of 
a  shrubber}^  It  is  a  rapid  grower,  elegant  foliage,  fragrant, 
beautiful  flowers,  in  great  profusion,  and  very  hardy.  The 
blossoms  are  butterfly  or  pea-shaped,  white,  with  yellow  in  the 
middle,  produced  in  June  and.  July.  The  insects  are  so 
destructive  to  it,  that  the  trees  soon  become  disfigured,  losing 
their  limbs,  in  consequence  of  the  many  perforations  made  by 
these  troublesome  little  creatures. 

Robinia  viscosa.  —  Clammy-barked  Locust.  —  This  is  a 
small  tree,  with  large  pale-pink  flowers.  The  branches  are 
covered  with  a  gummy  substance  that  is  unpleasant  to  the 
touch.     It  looks  well  with  other  trees  and  shrubs. 

Robinia  hispida.  —  Rose  Acacia.  —  This  is  a  beautiful  flow- 
ering shrub,  growing  from  three  to  ten  feet  high,  bearing  a 
great  profusion  of  elegant  rose-colored  flowers,  which  are  pro- 
duced in  dense,  pendent  racemes.  The  shrub  commences 
flowering  when  only  two  feet  high.  It  has  long,  rambling 
roots,  which  throw  up  numerous  suckers.  The  branches  are 
thickly  clothed  with  stiff  hairs.  This  is  a  very  desirable 
species.     The  foliage  resembles  the  other  species. 

Robinia  crispa.  —  Crisp-leaved  Robin  a.  —  This  is  a  species 
or  variety  we  imported  last  year,  with  others  named  below. 
It  has  very  singularly  curious  and  elegant  leaves ;  they 
are  compound,  like  all  the  others,  each  leaflet  being  curiously 
and  uniformly  contorted,  giving  to  the  foliage  a  very  unique 
and  rich  appearance.  The  others  were  R.  inermis ;  tertuoso, 
the  branches  all  growing  in  a  circular,  zigzag  style ;  mac- 
rophylla,  sophorafolia,  dubia,  volubilis,  elegans  and  grandi- 
jiora.  The  style  of  the  leaves  in  all  is  the  same ;  only  a  few 
of  them  flowered,  but  all  will  be  desirable,  no  doubt,  for  orna- 
ment, if  they  are  not  disturbed  by  the  borers. 

The  new  sorts  are  propagated  by  grafting  on  the  common 
varieties. 


ROSE.  267 

KOSA. 

The  Rose. 

This  well-known  and  highly  esteemed  family  of  plants,  or 
shrubs,  embrace  many  distinct  species,  which,  by  the  skill  of 
the  florist,  have  multiplied  into  thousands  of  varieties.  They 
vary  in  height  from  one  to  twelve  or  fifteen  feet,  producing 
flowers,  single,  semi-double  and  double,  and  generally  of  ex- 
quisite fragrance.  The  colors  are,  pure  white,  white-tinted, 
shaded,  striped,  or  mottled;  every  shade  of  red  to  purple,  and 
all  these  shades  and  colors  variously  mixed  ;  also  a  few  yellow 
varieties.  There  are  no  black  roses,  although  we  sometimes 
hear  of  them.  Such  as  are  sold  for  black  roses  are  those  of 
dark  shades  of  purple  or  crimson.  The  foliage  is  also  various 
in  the  different  species  or  varieties,  but  of  a  general  character. 
They  are  different  also  in  the  appendages  to  the  plant,  some 
having  formidable  thorns,  while  others  are  entirely  destitute. 
Some  flower  only  once  in  the  season  —  others  are  perpetual,  or 
everblooming.  Most  are  hardy,  but  man}?-  require  protection. 
It  is  a  flower  beloved  by  every  one,  not  only  in  the  present  age, 
but  has  been  in  all  ages  past,  and  will  no  doubt  continue  to  be 
the  most  prominent  and  desirable  flower  as  long  as  the  world 
stands.  It  may,  with  propriety,  be  styled  the  Queen  ofjlmvers. 
We  have  not  space  in  this  work  to  do  justice  to  its  merits,  and 
must  refer  our  readers,  for  the  details  of  its  culture,  and  for  a 
mass  of  valuable  and  interesting  particulars,  to  a  work  published 
by  S.  B.  Parsons,  of  Flushing,  near  New  York,  constituting  a 
volume  of  2S0  pages,  octavo,  treating  largely  upon  the  Rose, 
which  we  heartily  commend  to  all  the  lovers  of  this  universal  fa- 
vorite. Mr.  Parsons  treats  of  it  historically,  poetically,  and  scien- 
tifically, as  well  as  in  a  practical  manner.  We  must,  of  course, 
say  something  of  the  Rose  ourselves  poetically,  —  for  who  can 
dwell  long  upon  this  beautiful  flower  without  some  aspirations 
of  this  kind  ?  —  but  not  having  a  faculty  of  soaring  upon  our 
own  wings,  we  must  cull  from  others,  and  finding  in  a  work 


268  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

entitled  "Flora  Domestica"  all  we  desire  under  this  head,  we 
give  the  following  copious  extracts,  which  may  not  be  unaccept- 
able to  a  portio7i  of  our  readers  at  least :  — 

"  The  Rose  is  preeminently  the  flower  of  love  and  poetry, 
the  very  perfection  of  floral  realities.  Imagination  may  have 
flattered  herself  that  her  power  could  form  a  more  perfect 
beauty  ;  but,  it  is  said,  she  never  yet  discovered  such  to  mortal 
eyes.  This,  however,  she  would  persuade  us  to  be  a  mere 
matter  of  delicacy,  and  that  she  had  the  authority  of  Apollo  for 
her  secret  success : 

'  No  mortal  eye  can  reach  the  flowers, 

And  't  is  right  just,  for  well  Apollo  knows 

'T  would  make  the  poet  quarrel  with  the  Rose.' 

It  is,  however,  determined,  that  until  the  claim  of  such  veiled 
beauty,  or  beauties,  shall  rest  upon  better  foundation,  the  Rose 
shall  still  be  considered  as  the  unrivalled  Queen  of  flowers. 

'  I  saw  the  sweetest  flower  wild  nature  yields, 
A  fresh-blown  Musk  Rose.' 

"  It  is  said,  however,  that  the  angels  possess  a  more  beauti- 
ful kind  of  Rose  than  those  we  have  on  earth.  David  saw  in 
a  vision  a  number  of  angels  pass  by  with  gilded  baskets  in  their 
hands. 

'  Some  as  they  went,  the  blue-eyed  Violets  strew, 
Some  spotless  Lilies  in  loose  order  threw  ; 
Some  did  the  way  with  full-blown  Roses  spread, 
Their  smell  divine,  and  color  strangely  red ; 
Not  such  as  our  dull  gardens  proudly  wear, 
Whom  weathers  taint,  and  winds'  rude  kisses  tear  ; 
Such,  I  believe,  was  the  first  Rose's  hue, 
Which  at  God's  word  in  beauteous  Eden  grew; 
Q,ueen  of  the  flowers  that  made  that  orchard  gay. 
The  morning  blushes  of  the  spring's  new  day.' 

Cowley. 

"  The  Rose,  as  well  as  the  Myrtle,  is  considered  as  sacred  to 
the  Goddess  of  beauty.  Berkley,  in  his  Utopia,  describes  lov- 
ers as  declaring  their  passion  by  presenting  to  the  fair-beloved  a 


ROSE.  269 

Rose-bud  just  beginning  to  open  ;  if  the  lady  accepted  and  wore 
the  bud,  she  was  supposed  to  favor  his  pretensions.  As  time 
increased  the  lover's  affections,  he  followed  up  the  first  present 
by  that  of  a  half-blouai  Rose,  which  was  again  succeeded  by  one 
full-blown ;  and  if  the  lady  wore  this  last,  she  was  considered  as 
engaged  for  life, 

"Poetry  is  lavish  of  roses;  it  heaps  them  into  beds,  weaves 
them  into  crowns,  twines  them  into  arbors,  forges  them  into 
chains,  adorns  with  them  the  goblet  used  in  the  festivals  of 
Bacchus,  plants  them  in  the  bosom  of  beauty,  —  nay,  not  only 
delights  to  bring  in  the  Rose  itself  upon  every  occasion,  but 
seizes  each  particular  beauty  it  possesses  as  an  object  of  com- 
parison with  the  loveliest  works  of  nature :  —  as  soft  as  a  rose- 
leaf;  as  sweet  as  a  rose ;  rosy  clouds ;  rosy  cheeks ;  rosy 
lips ;  rosy  blushes  ;  rosy  dawns,  &c.,  &c.  It  is  commonly 
united  with  the  Lily  :  — 

'  In  the  time  that  the  morning  did  strew  Roses  and  Violets  on  the  heavenly 
floor  against  the  coming  of  the  sun.' 

'  A  bed  of  Lilies  flower  upon  her  cheek, 
And  in  the  midst  was  set  a  circling  Rose.' 

'  Rosed  all  in  lovelj'  crimson  are  thy  cheeks, 
Where  beauties  indeflourishing  abide, 
And  as  to  pass  his  fellow  either  seeks, 
Seem  both  to  blush  at  one  another's  pride.' 

"  The  Red  Rose  is  said  to  have  been  indebted  for  its  color  to 
the  blood  which  flowed  from  the  thorn-wounded  feet  of  Venus 
when  running  through  the  woods  in  despair  for  the  loss  of 
Adonis ;  as  the  White  Rose  is  also  said  to  have  sprung  from 
the  tears  which  the  goddess  shed  upon  that  occasion.  Ample 
reasons  these  for  dedicating  them  to  her. 

'  White  as  the  native  Rose  before  the  change. 
Which  Venus'  blood  did  in  her  leaves  impress.' 

*'  Anacreon  tells  us  that  it  was  dyed  with  nectar  by  the  gods 
23^ 


270  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

when  it  was  first  formed ;  he  speaks  of  it,  too,  as  the  flower  of 
Bacchus :  — 

'  With  nectar  drops,  a  ruby  tide, 
The  sweetly  orient  buds  they  dyed, 
And  bade  them  bloom  ;  the  flowers  divine 
Of  him  who  sheds  the  teeming  vine.' 

Some  say  they  were  dyed  with  the  blood  of  Cupid ;  and 

'  'T  is  said,  as  Cupid  danced  among 


The  gods,  he  down  the  nectar  flung  ; 
Which,  on  the  white  Rose  being  shed. 
Made  it  forever  after  red.' 

But  the  general  opinion  is,  that  the  Rose  is  indebted  to  Venus 
for  its  beautiful  blushes. 

"  Perhaps  the  most  beautiful  season  of  the  Rose  is  when 
partly  blown ;  then  too  she  still  promises  us  a  continuance 
of  delight ;  but  when  full-blown,  she  inspires  us  with  the  fear 
of  losing  her. 

"  Constance,  expatiating  on  the  beauty  of  her  son,  says,  — 

'  Nature  and  fortune  joined  to  malte  thee  great ; 
Of  nature's  gifts  thou  mayst  with  Lilies  boast, 
And  with  the  half-blown  Rose.' 

"  The  bed  of  roses  is  not  altogether  a  fiction.  '  The  Roses 
of  the  Sinan  Nile,  or  garden  of  the  Nile,  attached  to  the  Em- 
peror of  Morocco's  palace,  are  unequalled  ;  and  mattresses  are 
made  of  their  leaves,  for  men  of  rank  to  recline  upon.' 

"  The  Eastern  poets  have  united  the  Rose  with  the  nightin- 
gale ;  the  Venus  of  flowers  with  the  Apollo  of  birds ;  the  Rose 
is  supposed  to  burst  forth  from  its  bud  at  the  song  of  the 
nightingale. 

"  A  festival  is  held  in  Persia,  called  the  Feast  of  Roses,  which 
lasts  the  whole  time  they  are  in  bloom. 

'  And  all  is  ecstasy,  for  now 
The  valley  holds  its  Feast  of  Roses  ; 


ROSE.  271' 

That  joyous  time  when  pleasures  pour 
Profusely  round,  and  in  their  shower 
Hearts  open,  like  the  season's  Rose, — 
The  flowret  of  a  hundred  leaves, 
Expanding  while  the  dew-fall  flows, 
And  every  leaf  its  balm  receives  ! ' 

"  '  Persia  is  the  very  land  of  Roses.  — "  On  my  first  entering 
this  bower  of  fairy  land,"  says  Sir  Robert  Kerr  Porter,  speaking 
of  the  garden  of  one  of  the  royal  palaces  of  Persia,  "  I  was 
struck  with  the  appearance  of  two  Rose-trees,  full  fourteen  feet 
high,  laden  with  thousands  of  flowers,  in  every  degree  of  ex- 
pansion, and  of  a  bloom  and  delicacy  of  scent  that  imbued  flie 
whole  atmosphere  with  exquisite  perfume.  Indeed,  I  believe 
that  in  no  country  in  the  world  does  the  Rose  grow  in  such 
perfection  as  in  Persia ;  in  no  country  is  it  so  cultivated  and 
prized  by  the  natives.  Their  gardens  and  courts  are  crowded 
by  its  plants,  their  rooms  ornamented  with  vases  filled  with  its 
gathered  bunches,  and  every  bath  strewed  with  the  full-blown 
flowers,  plucked  with  the  ever-replenished  stems.  ^  #  #  * 
But  in  this  delicious  garden  of  Negaaristan,  the  eye  and  the 
smell  are  not  the  only  senses  regaled  by  the  presence  of  the 
Rose.  The  ear  is  enchanted  by  the  wild  and  beautiful  notes 
of  multitudes  of  nightingales,  whose  warblings  seem  to  in- 
crease in  melody  and  softness  with  the  unfolding  of  their 
favorite  flowers.  Here,  indeed,  the  stranger  is  more  powerfully 
reminded  that  he  is  in  the  genuine  country  of  the  nightingale 
and  the  Rose." —  {Persia  m  Miniature,  vol.  iii.) 

"  Sir  William  Ouseley  accompanied  his  brother,  the  am- 
bassador, on  a  visit  to  a  man  of  high  rank  at  Teheran ;  and 
though  there  was  a  great  profusion  of  meat  and  fruit  at  this 
entertainment,  'it  might,'  he  says,  'have  been  styled  the  Feast 
of  Roses,  for  the  floor  of  the  great  hall,  or  open-fronted  talar, 
was  spread  in  the  middle,  and  in  the  recess,  with  Roses  forming 
the  figures  of  cypress-trees ;  Roses  decorated  all  the  candle- 
sticks, which  were  very  numerous.  The  surface  of  the  hawz, 
or  reservoir  of  water,  was  completely  covered  with  rose-leaves, 


272  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

which  also  were  scattered  on  the  principal  walks  leading  to  the 
mansion.' 

"  He  says  that  the  surface  of  this  reservoir  was  so  entirely 
covered  with  rose-leaves,  that  the  water  was  visible  only  when 
stirred  by  the  air,  and  that  the  servants,  during  the  entertain- 
ment, were  continually  scattering  fresh  Roses  both  upon  the 
waters  and  the  floor  of  the  hall.* 

"  We  must  not  dismiss  the  subject  of  the  Rose,  without 
recalling  to  the  minds  of  our  readers  those  beautiful  lines  from 
Milton :  — 

'  Eve  separate  he  spies, 

Veiled  in  a  cloud  of  fragrance  where  she  stood, 
Half  spied,  so  thick  the  Roses  blushing  round 
About  her  g-lowed  ;  oft  stooping  to  support 
Each  flower  of  tender  stalk,  whose  head,  though  gay 
Carnation,  purple,  azure,  or  speck'd  with  gold. 
Hung  drooping  unsustained  ;  them  she  upstays 
Gently  with  myrtle  band,  mindless  the  while 
Herself,  though  fairest  unsupported  flower, 
From  her  best  prop  so  far,  and  storm  so  nigh.' 

"  In  two  difTerent  poems,  where  Venus  is  represented,  she  has 
a  crown  of  white  and  red  flowers  :  — 

'  I  saw  anone  riglil  her  figure 
Nakid  yfletyng  in  a  se. 
And  also  on  her  hedde  parde 
Her  rosy  garland  wliite  and  redde.' 

'  Then  father  Anchises  decked  a  capacious  bowl  with  garlands,  and  filled  it 
up  with  wine.' — •  (Davidson's  Translation.) 

"  '  To  crown  the  bowl,'  says  Mr,  Davidson,  '  sometimes  signi- 
fies no  more  than  to  fill  the  cup  to  the  brim ;  but  here  it  is  to 
be  taken  literally  for  adorning  the  bowl  with  flowers,  according 
to  the  ancient  custom.  Otherwise,  implevitque  mero  would  be 
mere  tautology.'  Horace  repeatedly  speaks  of  crowning  the 
bowl  with  Roses. 

"  The  Romans  were  at  great  expense  to  procure  Roses  in  win- 

*  See  Sir  W.  Ouseloy's  Travels  in  the  East,  vol.  iii.,  pp.  352  and  353. 


ROSE.  21® 

ter ;  Suetonius  affirms  that  Nero  spent  upwards  of  4,000,000  of 
sesterces,  about  thirty  thousand  pounds,  for  Roses,  at  one  sup- 
per. Horace  alludes  to  this  custom  in  his  thirty-eighth  Ode, 
Book  i. 

'  Seek  not  for  late-blowing  Roses  ;  I  ask  no  other  crown  than  simple 
Myrtle.' 

"It  is  said  that  the  Turks  cannot  endure  to  see  a  Rose-leaf 
fall  to  the  ground,  because,  says  Gerarde,  '  some  of  them  have 
dreamed  that  the  first  Rose  sprang  from  the  blood  of  Venus.' 

"  It  inay,  perhaps,  be  worth  while  to  quote  Gerarde's  transla- 
tion of  a  passage  from  Anacreon,  rather  for  its  curiosity  than, 
beauty :  — 

'  The  Rose  is  the  honor  and  beauty  of  flowers, 
The  Rose  is  the  care  and  the  love  of  the  spring. 
The  Rose  is  the  pleasure  of  th'  heavenly  powers  ; 
The  boy  of  fair  Venus,  Cythera's  darling, 
Doth  wrap  his  head  round  with  garlands  of  Rose, 
When  to  the  dances  of  the  Graces  he  goes.' 

"Many  species  of  the  Rose  preserve  their  sweet  perfume  even 
after  death  ;  as  the  poet  observes  in  the  following  passage :  — 

'  And  first  of  all,  the  Rose  ;  because  its  breath 
Is  rich  beyond  the  rest  ;  and  when  it  dies, 
It  doth  bequeath  a  charm  to  sweeten  death.' 

"  The  very  essence  of  this  sweet  perfume  is  extracted  from 
the  flowers  ;  and  the  attar  of  Roses  is  dearer  than  gold  :  — 

'  The  Rose  looks  fair,  but  fairer  we  it  deem 
For  that  sweet  odor  which  doth  in  it  live. 
The  canker  blooms  have  full  as  deep  a  dye 
As  the  perfumed  tincture  of  the  Roses, 
Hang  on  such  thorns,  and  play  as  wantonly. 
When  summer's  breath  their  masked  buds  discloses. 
But,  for  their  virtue  only  is  their  show, 
They  live  unmoved,  and  unrespected  fade  ; 
Die  to  themselves  ;  sweet  Roses  do  not  so  ; 
Of  their  sweet  deaths  are  sweetest  odors  made.'  " 

"  The  Moss  Rose,  or  Moss  Provence  Rose,  is  well  known  as 
an  elegant  plant.     The  flowers  are  deeply  colored,  and  the  rich 


274  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

mossiness  which  surrounds  them  gives  them  a  luxuriant  ap- 
pearance not  easily  described;  but  it  is  familiar  to  every  one. 
It  is  a  fragrant  flower ;  its  country  is  not  known  to  us,  and  we 
know  it  only  as  a  double  flower. 

"  The  origin  of  its  mossy  vest  has  been  explained  to  us  by  a 
German  writer  :  — 

'  The  angel  of  the  flowers  one  day 
Beneath  a  Rose-tree  sleeping  lay  : 
That  spirit,  to  whose  charge  is  given 
To  bathe  young  buds  in  dews  from  heaven  ; 
Awaking  from  his  light  repose, 
The  angel  whispered  to  the  Rose  : 
'  O  fondest  object  of  my  care. 
Still  fairest  found  where  all  are  fair, 
For  the  sweet  shade  thou  'st  given  to  me, 
Ask  what  thou  wilt,  't  is  granted  thee.' 
'  Then,'  said  the  Rose,  with  deepened  glow, 
'On  me  another  grace  bestow.' 
The  spirit  paused  in  silent  thought ; 
What  grace  was  there  that  flower  had  not ! 
'  T  was  but  a  moment ;  —  o'er  the  Rose 
A  veil  of  moss  the  angel  throws, 
And,  robed  in  nature's  simplest  weed, 
Could  there  a  flower  that  Rose  exceed  ?  '  " 

We  now  proceed  to  give  some  practical  instruction  in  rela- 
tion to  the  Rose. 

Soil.  —  Roses  will  succeed  well  in  any  good  garden  soil ;  but 
to  have  them  in  perfection,  it  is  necessary  that  the  soil  be  well 
enriched  and  deeply  dug.  The  Rose,  like  the  vine,  is  a  gross 
feeder,  and  is  not  injured  by  heav}'  manuring.  In  a  poor,  lean, 
shallow  soil,  it  is  impossible  to  bring  out  the  beauties  of  any 
variety  of  the  Rose.  A  strong,  rich  loam,  or  vegetable  mould, 
with  about  one  quarter  of  its  bulk  of  well  decomposed  stable 
manure,  is  recommended  by  Parsons  as  a  standard  for  the  qual- 
ity of  the  soil  in  which  to  grow  the  Rose ;  and  if  the  soil  of 
the  garden,  where  the  Rose  is  to  be  planted,  differs  materially 
from  this,  the  requisite  materials  should  be  added,  that  it  may 
approach  as  near  as  possible  to  that  standard.  In  my  own  ex- 
perience, I  have  found  that  the  more  manure,  if  not  an  extrav- 


ROSE.  275 

agant  quantity,  the  better  the  bloom  ;  but,  in  addition  to  the 
quality  and  richness  of  the  soil,  a  good  depth  is  absolutely 
necessary.  My  general  practice  is  to.  plant  out  roses  in  beds, 
which,  for  all  the  hardy  roses,  I  prefer  to  do  in  November. 
First,  the  ground  should  be  trenched  two  spades  deep,  and  a 
liberal  supply  of  stable,  barnyard,  or  night-soil  manure,  with 
bone-dust  incorporated  with  it,  as  the  digging  proceeds,  but  not 
buried  too  deep.  I  have  not  been  very  particular  as  to  the 
quantity  or  quality  of  the  manure.  After  the  ground  is  settled, 
the  Roses  may  be  planted.  Four  feet  each  way  is  about  the 
proper  distance  to  plant  the  different  varieties  of  Roses,  in  the 
rosery. 

Rivers  recommends,  as  the  best  compost  for  Roses,  rotten 
dung  and  pit  sand  for  cold,  clayey  soils  ;  and  for  warm,  dry 
soiis,  rotten  dung  and  cool  loams.  He  finds  that  night-soil, 
mixed  with  the  drainings  of  the  dunghill,  or  even  with  com- 
mon ditch  or  pond  water,  so  as  to  make  a  thick  liquid,  the  best 
possible  manure  for  Roses,  poured  on  the  surface  of  the  soil 
twice  in  the  winter,  one  or  two  gallons  to  each  tree.  In  our 
climate,  it  may  be  applied  in  November  and  in  April.  In  my 
beds  of  established  Roses,  I  cause  manure  from  the  stable  to  be 
applied  to  the  surface  of  the  ground  about  the  bushes,  in  No- 
vember, which  serves  as  a  protection  ;  some  of  the  tender  sorts 
are  fastened  down  and  covered  with  the  same.  As  soon  as  the 
ground  is  in  a  fit  state  to  dig,  in  the  spring,  this  manure  is 
carefully  incorporated  with  the  surface  soil,  but  not  so  as  to 
injure  the  fibres  or  roots  of  the  plants.  A  wet,  retentive  soil 
is  injurious  to  the  Rose,  as  I  have  found  by  sad  experience; 
but  in  a  rich,  dry  loam  my  labors  have  been  amply  rewarded. 

When  Roses  are  to  be  planted  out  singly,  as  many  of  the 
climbing  sorts  are,  the  soil  should  be  dug  out  two  and  a  half 
feet  deep ;  the  bottom  may  be  filled,  to  the  depth  of  six  inches, 
with  small  stones,  or,  what  is  better,  with  bones,  and  then  filled 
up  with  prepared  soil. 

Situation.  —  The  Rose  will  flourish  in  any  situation  where 
the  soil  is  well  prepared ;  but  it  is  best  to  plant  the  Rose  where 


276  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

it  can  be  shaded  from  the  intensity  of  the  mid-day  sun.  If  it 
can  be  so  located  as  to  receive  the  morning  and  evening  sun, 
and  shaded  during  its  greatest  heat,  the  bloom  will  be  more 
perfect,  and  continue  longer.  Some  varieties  are  very  delicate, 
and  their  blossoms  are  almost  ruined  by  a  full  exposure.  An 
eastern  or  northern  exposure  is,  therefore,  the  best.  Roses 
should  not,  however,  be  wholly  shaded. 

Planting.  —  The  best  season  for  planting  all  the  hardy  Roses, 
as  before  stated,  is  in  autumn;  or,  if  necessary  to  defer  till 
spring,  it  should  be  done  as  early  as  possible.  If  planted  late  in 
the  spring,  it  will  be  best  to  cut  the  plants  down  to  a  few  buds. 
Any  time,  after  the  first  severe  frost,  is  a  proper  time  to  com- 
mence planting.  The  plants  should  be  taken  up  with  great 
care,  disturbing  the  roots  as  little  as  possible,  remembering  that 
the  breaking  of  a  single  fibre  diminishes  the  strength  of  the 
growth  and  future  prosperity  of  the  plant.  Presuming  that  the 
ground  is  all  ready,  the  holes  should  be  dug  somewhat  larger 
than  the  roots.  When  the  planting  is  completed,  the  plant  should 
stand  but  a  very  little  lower  than  it  stood  before  in  the  ground. 
The  operation  of  placing  the  roots  and  fibres  should  be  done 
with  the  nicest  care.  In  my  fall  planting,  I  place  the  plant  in 
an  oblique  direction,  so  that  the  plants  may  be  easily  bent  down 
and  covered.  Fall-planted  roses  are  liable  to  be  more  or  less 
winter-killed,  which  is  prevented,  if  covered  with  coarse  litter, 
or  manure. 

We  have  seen  Pillar  Roses,  in  the  grounds  of  Mr.  Charles 
Hoffman,  of  Salem, —  which,  without  protection,  are  liable  to  be 
killed  down  to  within  two  or  three  feet  of  the  ground,  —  grown 
in  great  magnificence,  forming  beautiful  pyramids  of  Roses  from 
twelve  to  fifteen  feet  high.  We  had  never  seen  the  Pillar  Rose 
in  such  perfection.  They  were  the  same  varieties  which  in 
our  own  ground  did  not  exceed  more  than  five  or  six  feet,  as 
the  greater  part  of  the  new  wood  is  every  winter-killed  down. 
We  were  informed  that  the  supports  to  which  these  Roses  were 
trained,  consisting  of  nothing  more  than  three  or  four  strong 


ROSE.  277 

spruce  poles,  were  taken  away  in  autumn,  and  the  plants  laid 
down  and  covered  with  earth,  or  coarse  manure. 

The  only  time  to  plant  tender  Roses,  as  far  north  as  Boston, 
is  in  the  spring-.  The  China,  Bengal,  and  Tea  Roses  may  be 
grown  in  the  open  ground,  in  New  England,  if  they  are  taken 
up  in  autumn.  They  may  be  kept  in  a  dry,  cool  cellar,  with 
the  roots  packed  in  loam  or  sand ;  or  they  may  be  laid  in  by 
the  heels,  on  a  dry  knoll,  and  covered  with  earth,  where  they 
will  remain  secure  till  spring.  In  planting  them  out,  they 
should  be  cut  down  to  a  few  buds,  and  they  will  bloom  after 
the  summer  Roses  have  passed  away,  provided  the  roots  were 
taken  up  well.  In  replanting  Roses,  the  roots  should  be  care- 
fully examined,  and  all  broken  or  bruised  parts  should  be  cut 
off  with  a  sharp  knife. 

A  young,  healthy  plant  is  much  better  than  one  that  is  old 
and  overgrown,  to  plant  out ;  indeed,  old  plants  should  be 
rejected. 

Plantations  of  Roses  should  be  made  to  succeed  each  other. 
In  the  second  and  third  years  after  planting,  the  Rose  will  be  in 
its  greatest  perfection.  After  the  plants  become  old,  they  do 
not  do  so  well ;  and  I  have  found,  in  my  own  experience,  that 
five  years  was  long  enough  to  continue  the  plantation.  It  is 
best  then  to  prepare  a  new  place,  or,  in  fact,  it  should  be  pre- 
pared, and  the  new  plantation  made,  a  year  before  the  old  one 
is  given  up,  as  a  general  and  perfect  bloom  cannot  be  expected 
the  first  year. 

It  is  becoming  fashionable,  at  the  present  time,  to  plant  out 
Roses  in  masses,  which  have  a  fine  effect,  where  the  white,  the 
crimson,  or  other  distinct  colors,  are  planted  by  themselves. 
Many  of  the  strong-growing  sorts  are  suitable  for  planting  with 
other  shrubs  in  the  shrubbery. 

Pruning.  —  Roses,  in  this  climate,  should  be  pruned  early 
in  the  spring.  For  Roses  that  are  grown  as  dwarfs,  it  is  neces- 
sary to  prune  them  down  to  a  few  buds ;  all  the  old  wood,  and 
the  weak,  last  year's  growth,  should  be  taken  entirely  away 
The  young  wood  generally  produces  the  finest  flowers,  which, 
24 


278  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

when  properly  pruned,  are  larger  and  much  more  double  than 
when  the  bushes  are  suffered  to  grow  at  random. 

In  pruning  climbing  Roses,  the  operation  must  be  different,  as 
it  is  necessary  to  retain  the  whole  length  of  the  most  vigorous 
shoots,  cutting  out  all  the  old  wood  that  will  not  be  likely  to 
produce  fine  flowers,  and  pruning  down  the  lateral  branches  to 
one  eye.  The  manner  of  pruning  must,  in  a  measure,  depend 
upon  the  variety  of  the  Rose,  and  more  particularly  upon  the 
style  in  which  it  is  to  be  trained.  This  must  be  left  to  the 
ingenuity  and  taste  of  the  cultivator  ;  and  whether  it  is  to  be 
trained  to  a  trellis,  over  an  arch,  pillar,  or  in  whatever  shape 
it  is  wanted,  the  proper  way  will  generally  suggest  itself 

Propagation.  —  The  Rose  is  propagated  in  various  ways. 
Some  varieties  succeed  well  by  cuttings,  as  the  China  and 
many  of  the  tender  Roses  ;  but,  with  most  of  the  hardy  kinds, 
this  is  not  often  resorted  to  except  by  skilful  gardeners. 

By  Layers.  —  All  the  summer-blooming  Roses  may  be  prop- 
agated in  this  way.  It  can  be  performed  in  midsummer,  and 
for  several  weeks  afterwards.  Young  shoots,  at  least  one  foot 
long  and  well  matured,  should  be  selected  for  this  purpose. 
The  mode  of  operation  is  the  same  as  in  all  shrubby  plants. 
The  soil  should  be  well  dug  about  the  plant,  and  increased  by 
a  little  fresh  loam,  well  enriched  with  rotten  manure,  raised 
about  it,  so  as  to  form  a  little  bed.  Proceed,  then,  with  the 
usual  process  of  layering,  "by  making  a  slit  with  a  sharp  knife 
just  below  a  bud,  making  a  slanting  cut,  upwards  and  length- 
wise, about  half  through  the  branch,  forming  a  tongue  from  one 
to  two  "inches  long,  on  the  back  part  of  the  shoot,  right  opposite 
the  bud.  A  chip,  or  some  of  the  soil,  can  be  placed  in  the 
slit  to  prevent  it  from  closing,  and  the  shoot  can  then  be  care- 
fully laid  and  pegged  down  at  a  point  some  two  or  three  inches 
below  the  cut,  keeping,  at  the  same  time,  the  top  of  the  shoot 
some  three  or  four  inches  out  of  the  ground,  and  making  it  fast 
to  a  small  stake  to  keep  it  upright."  The  prepared  shoot 
should  be  buried  about  three  or  four  inches  deep.  Great  care 
will  be  necessary  to  prevent  the  branch  from  injury.     The 


ROSE.  279 

ground  over  the  layer  should  be  covered  with  moss,  or  coarse 
manure,  or  some  substance  to  screen  it  from  the  sun.  In  some 
varieties,  the  layers  will  be  sufficiently  rooted  in  autumn  ;  but 
in  many  kinds,  particularly  the  hardy  perpetuals,  they  will  not 
be  sufficiently  established  to  separate  from  the  parent  plant  till 
the  autumn  following. 

By  Suckers.  —  Many  varieties  of  Roses  are  inclined  to  throw 
up  suckers.  With  these  sorts  there  is  no  difficulty  in  increas- 
ing the  stock.  These  should  be  taken  off  with  as  much  root  as 
possible,  every  autumn,  and  planted  out  in  nursery  rows,  or 
where  they  are  to  remain,  if  strong  plants.  The  parent  plant 
is  also  very  much  benefited  by  this  operation. 

Budding.  —  All  the  varieties  of  the  Rose  can  be  propagated 
by  budding,  and,  to  increase  new  and  rare  varieties,  this  mode 
is  always  resorted  to.  There  are  some  sorts,  naturally  weak, 
which  flower  much  more  perfectly  when  budded  on  some  strong- 
growing  species ;  but  we  hate  a  budded  Rose-bush,  and  will  not 
have  one  in  our  grounds  if  we  can  get  them  on  their  own  roots. 
It  requires  much  care  and  attention  to  keep  them  in  order,  as 
the  stock  is  continually  throwing  up  suckers,  drawing  all  the 
nourishment  from  the  budded  variety.  Where  there  are  but 
few  varieties,  and  a  skilful  gardener  to  look  after  the  plants, 
there  is  no  doubt  but  that  it  is  desirable  to  have  some  varieties 
on  strong-growing  stocks.  We  were  not  a  little  amused,  a  few 
years  since,  upon  a  visit  at  the  house  of  a  horticultural  friend, 
who,  by  the  way,  was  better  acquainted  with  the  management  of 
his  fruit  trees  than  he  was  with  the  flower-garden.  His  garden 
was  well  laid  out  and  kept  very  neat.  He  was  taking  me 
round  to  show  the  various  plants,  and  getting  what  information 
he  could  out  of  one  he  supposed  knew  more  than  he  did  about 
them.  Presently  he  came  to  a  wilderness  of  the  French  Dog 
Roses.  "  There,"  says  he,  "  is  a  lot  of  the  choicest  Roses  that 
could  be  obtained  in  France."  "  Indeed,"  says  I,  "  they  certainly 
look  very  vigorous."  "  They  do,  to  be  sure,"  he  replied  ;  "  but 
somehow  or  other  they  look  very  much  alike,  and  the  few 
that  flowered  this  year  were  very  single."     "That  is  very  prob- 


280  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

able,"  I  replied,  "  for  Dog  Koses  have  great  resemblance  to  each 
other,  and  are  always  single."  Great  was  his  surprise,  when  I 
convinced  him  that  the  Eoses  he  had  imported  and  cultivated 
with  so  much  care,  were  only  suckers  from  the  stocks  on  which 
his  imported  Roses  were  budded.  He  had  planted  them  out, 
supposing  they  were  on  their  own  roots,  and  had  not  perceived 
the  necessity  of  keeping  down  the  suckers. 

Tj-ee  Roses.  —  The  Tree  Rose  is  a  beautiful  object  when  in 
bloom.  It  is  formed  by  inoculating  the  desired  variety  upon  a 
standard,  some  four  or  five  feet  in  height,  generally  the  Dog 
Rose,  as  it  is  called  in  France,  or  the  Eglantine.  Many  have 
been  imported  from  France,  and  succeed  well  the  first  or  second 
year ;  but  from  some  cause  they  soon  die.  Either  the  severity 
of  our  winters,  or  our  powerful  summers'  sun,  causes  their 
death. 

New  varieties  are  produced  from  seed  raised  from  flowers, 
which  have  been  crossed  with  others  of  opposite  characters ; 
but  none  but  amateurs  will  attempt  this,  so  this  mode  of  propa- 
gation will  not  be  dwelt  upon. 

Of  the  diseases  of  the  Rose,  and  of  the  insects  that  infest  it, 
we  shall  have  something  to  say  in  another  place. 

GARDEN    CLASSIFICATION    OF    ROSES. 

On  the  subject  of  Classification  of  Roses,  there  have  been 
much  difficulty  and  confusion  among  amateurs ;  and  even 
Rivers  himself,  one  of  the  most  correct  of  Rose  amateurs  in 
England  or  France,  remarks :  "  Within  the  last  ten  years, 
how  many  plants  have  been  named  and  unnamed,  classed  and 
unclassed  !  Professor  A.  placing  it  here,  and  Dr.  B.  placing  it 
there  !  I  can  almost  imagine  Dame  Nature  laughing  in  her 
sleeve,  when  our  philosophers  are  thus  puzzled.  Well,  so  it  is, 
in  a  measure,  with  Roses  ;  a  variety  has  often  equal  claims  on 
two  classes.  First  impressions  have  placed  it  in  one,  and  there, 
rival  amateurs  should  let  it  remain." 

We  are  pleased  with  Mr.  Parsons'  classification,  as  being 
the  most  simple  of  any  we  have  seen,  and  also  as  distinctive 


ROSE.  281 

as  possible,  in  a  family  so  intermixed  as  the  different  varieties 
or  species  appear  to  be.  We  shall,  therefore,  give  his  system 
entire. 

After  speaking  of  the  great  confusion  that  has  arisen  in  Rose 
nomenclature,  he  says  :  — 

"  If  there  exists,  then,  this  doubt  of  the  proper  class  to  which 
many  Roses  belong,  we  think  it  would  be  better  to  drop  entirely 
this  sub-classification,  and  adopt  some  more  general  heads, 
under  one  of  which  every  Rose  can  be  classed.  It  may  often 
be  difficult  to  ascertain  whether  a  Rose  is  a  Damask,  a  Provence, 
or  a  Hybrid  China ;  but  there  can  be  no  difficulty  in  ascertain- 
ing whether  it  is  dwarf  or  climbing,  whether  it  blooms  once  or 
more  in  the  year,  and  whether  the  leaves  are  rough  as  in  the 
Remontants,  or  smooth  as  in  the  Bengals.  We  have,  there- 
fore, endeavored  to  simplify  the  old  classification,  and  have 
placed  all  Roses  under  three  principal  heads,  viz.  : 

"  I.  Those  that  make  distinct  and  separate  periods  of  bloom 
throughout  the  season,  as  the  Remontant  Roses. 

"  II.  Those  that  bloom  continually,  without  any  temporary 
cessation,  as  the  Bourbon,  China,  &c. 

"  III.  Those  that  bloom  only  once  in  the  season,  as  the 
French  and  others. 

"  The  first  of  these  includes  only  the  present  Damask  and 
Hybrid  Perpetuals,  and  for  these  we  know  no  term  so  expres- 
sive as  the  French  Remontant.  Perpetual  does  not  express 
their  true  character. 

"  The  second  general  head  we  call  Everhlooming.  This  is 
divided  into  five  classes  : 

"  1.  The  Bourbon,  which  are  easily  known  by  their  luxuri- 
ant growth,  and  thick,  large,  leathery  leaves.  These  are, 
moreover,  perfectly  hardy. 

"  2.  The  China,  which  includes  the  present  China,  Tea,  and 
Noisette  Roses,  which  are  now  much  confused,  as  there  are 
many  among  the  Teas  which  are  not  tea-scented,  and  among 
the  Noisettes  which  do  not  bloom  in  clusters.  They  are,  more- 
over, so  much  alike  in  their  growth  and  habit,  that  it  is  better 
24* 


282  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

each  should  stand  upon  its  own  merits,  and  not  on  the  charac- 
teristics of  an  imaginary  class. 

"  3.   Musk,  known  by  its  rather  rougher  foliage. 

"  4.  Macartney,  known  by  its  verj'  rich,  glossy  foliage,  almost 
evergreen. 

"  5.  Microphylla,  easily  distinguished  by  its  peculiar  foliage 
and  straggling  habit. 

"  The  third  general  head  we  divide  into  five  classes  : 

"  1.  Garden  Roses.  This  includes  all  the  present  French, 
Provence,  Hybrid  Provence,  Hybrid  China,  Hybrid  Bourbon, 
White,  and  Damask  Roses,  many  of  which,  under  the  old 
arrangement,  differ  more  from  others  in  their  own  class  than 
from  many  in  another  class. 

"  2.  Moss  Roses,  all  of  which  are  easily  distinguished. 

"  3.  Brier  Roses,  which  will  include  the  Sweet  Brier,  Hy- 
brid Sweet  Brier,  and  Austrian  Brier. 

"  4.   The  Scotch  Rose. 

"  5.  CUmbiiig  Rose ;  which  are  again  divided  into  all  the 
distinctive  subdivisions." 

ROSES    THAT    BLOOM    DURING    THE    "WHOLE    SEASON. 

Remontant  Roses.  —  "  The  term  Remontant,"  says  Mr.  Par- 
sons, "  signifying,  literally,  to  grow  again,  we  have  chosen  to 
designate  this  class  of  Roses,  there  being  no  word  in  our  lan- 
guage equally  expressive.  They  were  formerly  called  Damask 
and  Hybrid  Perpetuals,  but  are  distinguished  by  their  peculiar- 
ity of  distinct  and  separate  periods  of  bloom.  They  bloom  with 
the  other  roses  in  early  summer,  then  cease  for  a  while,  then 
make  a  fresh  bloom,  and  thus  through  the  summer  and  autumn, 
differing  entirely  from  the  Bourbon  and  Bengal  Roses,  which 
grow  and  bloom  continually  through  the  summer."  This  class 
of  Roses  require  longer  time  to  establish  themselves  from  layers 
than  any  others,  as  they  are  not  often  fit  to  detach  from  the  old 
plant  till  the  second  year.  Budding  is  resorted  to  for  extensive 
propagation  with   this    class.     Some   of    the    varieties,  when 


ROSB. 

grown  upon  their  own  roots,  do  not  do  justice  to  themselves  ; 
but  when  worked  on  strong-growing  stocks,  grow  much  more 
luxuriantly,  and  give  more  perfect  flowers.  Mr.  Parsons  has 
described  two  hundred  varieties  of  Roses  from  the  various 
classes  of  those  sorts  he  thinks  most  desirable  for  the  amateur 
to  select  from.  There  are  but  few  persons  who  will  be  dis- 
posed to  cultivate  that  number.  His  selection  is  a  very  choice 
one,  and  I  should  hardly  know  myself  which  to  reject.  Fifty 
varieties,  well  chosen  from  the  various  classes,  are  as  many  as 
most  persons,  unless  they  have  money  enough  and  to  spare, 
would  be  likely  to  cultivate ;  and  the  great  majority  would 
probably  be  happy  to  possess  half  that  number.  We  would 
recommend  Prince  Albert,  Madam  Laflay,  Rivers,  Duchess  of 
Sutherland,  Crimson  Perpetual,  William  Jessie,  La  Reine,  and 
Robin  Hood,  for  a  small  collection.  When  a  large  number  are 
wanted,  we  refer  to  Parsons'   selection  and  various  catalogues. 

Everblooming  Roses.  —  These  roses  are  distinguished  from, 
the  Remontant,  by  blooming  continually  through  the  season, 
without  any  temporary  cessation.  They  include  the  Bourbon, 
the  Bengal  and  its  sub-varieties,  the  Tea  and  Noisette,  the 
Musk,  the  Macartney,  and  the  Microphylla  Roses." 

The  Everblooming  Roses  are  very  desirable,  wherever  the 
climate  renders  it  possible  to  preserve  them  through  the  winter. 
As  far  north  as  Boston,  the  greater  part  of  them  can  only  be 
cultivated  to  perfection  in  the  green-house,  but  further  south, 
they  endure  the  winter,  even,  without  protection. 

Bo7irbon  Roses.  —  This  section  of  the  Everblooming  Roses 
have  succeeded  in  rny  own  grounds ;  but,  from  appearances,  I 
should  think  they  could  not  be  trusted  out  much  further  north,  as 
I  find  the  tops  frequently  killed  down  nearly  to  the  ground.  Mr. 
Parsons  says  they  are  perfectly  hardy  with  him,  (Long  Island,) 
which  is  much  warmer  than  in  this  State.  He  says,  in  speak- 
ing of  it  as  having  superior  qualities  to  the  Tea-scented  Rose, 
"  These  qualities  are,  its  perfect  hardiness,  its  very  thick, 
leathery  foliage,  its  luxuriant  growth,  its  constant  bloom,  and 
its  thick,  velvety  petals  of  a  consistency  to  endure   even  the 


2S4  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

burning  heat  of  a  tropical  sun."  Some  fine  varieties  are, 
Paul  Joseph,  Queen,  Emilie  Courtier,  Bouquet  de  Flore,  and 
Madame  Desprez.  This  last  has  proved  the  most  tender, 
and  will  not  stand  out  here  in  the  open  ground. 

China  Roses.  —  This  class  of  Roses  we  must  set  down  as  the 
proper  inhabitants  of  the  green-house,  in  this  section  of  the 
country  ;  although,  by  planting  in  frames,  taking  up  the  plants 
and  laying  them  in  the  ground  in  a  dry  place,  or  preserving 
them  in  a  dry,  cool  cellar,  they  will  do  very  well  to  plant  out 
in  the  spring,  and  make  a  fine  bloom  after  the  summer  Roses 
have  passed  away.  Mr.  Parsons  remarks,  that,  "  next  to  the 
Bourbon,  this  is  perhaps  the  most  valuable  class  of  Roses ;  but  in 
this  climate  they  need  protection  from  the  cold.  This,  however, 
can  be  easily  afforded  by  salt,  hay,  or  straw."  I  have  tried  to 
keep  this  class  of  Roses  in  the  open  ground,  by  protection  of 
all  kinds,  but  unfortunately  their  location  was  rather  too  wet 
in  winter ;  perhaps,  in  a  dry,  loamy  soil,  they  would  succeed 
better.  Further  south,  this  is  a  most  desirable  class  for  out- 
door culture. 

Tea  and  Noisette  Roses.  —  What  has  been  said  in  relation 
to  the  tenderness  of  the  China  Roses,  will  apply  to  the  Tea 
and  Noisette  Roses.  "  The  Tea  and  Noisette  Roses  have  been 
generally  classed  distinct  from  the  China."  "  They  are,  how- 
ever, but  varieties  of  the  latter  j  and  there  is  so  much  confu- 
sion in  the  old  classification,  that  the  amateur  is  frequently 
misled.  Many  of  the  Roses  now  classed  among  the  China, 
have  a  strong  tea  scent,  and  many  of  the  present  Tea  Roses 
have  very  little  fragrance.  The  characteristic  of  the  Noisette 
Rose  is  understood  to  be  its  cluster-blooming  habit."  The 
Southern  States  must  be  the  congenial  climate  for  the  whole 
class  of  China  and  Tea  Roses.  The  author  of  the  work 
already  alluded  to,  however,  says,  "  They  will  endure  our  win- 
ters, with  the  thermometer  at  zero,  but  it  is  better  to  protect 
them  by  means  of  straw  and  hay,  or  of  boards  upon  low  stakes. 
Perhaps  the  least  troublesome  way  of  protecting  them,  is  to 
have  one  or  more  hot-bed  frames,  six  feet  by  twelve,  and  about  a 


KOSE.  285 

foot  and  a  half  or  two  feet  deep.  This  can  be  set  several  inches 
in  the  ground,  and  litter  of  any  kind  placed  around  the  sides. 
The  Koses  can  be  carefully  taken  up,  and  planted  in  this  frame 
as  thick  as  they  will  stand.  The  top  can  then  be  covered  v/ith 
boards,  a  little  slanting,  to  carry  ofT  the  rain,  and  the  plants  will 
be  sufficiently  protected.  If  the  weather  is  severe,  some  litter 
can  also  be  placed  on  the  top."  This  class  of  Roses  is  so  de- 
sirable that  if,  by  any  means,  they  can  be  protected  without  the 
expense  of  a  green-house,  it  will  be  a  great  desideratum.  For 
China  Roses,  we  would  name,  Mrs.  Bosanquet,  Madame  Breon, 
Grandiflora  and  Daily  Blush.  For  Tea  Roses,  Eliza  Sauvage, 
Marshal  Bugeaud,  Safrano,Triomphe  de  Luxembourg,  and  Prin- 
cess Adelaide.  For  Noisettes,  the  fine  yellow  Cromatella,  Aimee 
Vibert,  Ne  Plus  Ultra,  Lamarque,  Jaune  Desprez  and  Pactole. 

Musk  Roses.  —  The  Musk  Rose  stands  pretty  well  here,  in  a 
warm,  dry  situation,  but,  in  wet  ground,  rather  tender.  In  the 
latitude  of  Long  Island,  Mr.  Parsons  says  it  is  quite  hardy, 
having  a  plant  of  the  old  White  Musk,  that  has  braved  the 
severity  of  more  than  twenty  winters,  in  his  grounds,  "It  has 
already,  this  season,  made  shoots  of  more  than  six  feet ;  and  in 
our  Southern  States  more  than  double  the  growth  would  prob- 
ably be  attained."  It  produces  its  flowers  in  large  clusters. 
We  are  familiar  with  the  old  white  cluster,  which  commences 
flowering  late,  and  continues  till  cold  weather.  Other  fine 
varieties  are,  Eponine,  and  Princess  of  Nassau. 

Macartney  Roses.  —  "  This  Rose  was  brought  from  China  to 
England,  by  Lord  Macartney,  in  1793.  Its  habit  is  luxuriant, 
and  its  foliage  is  more  beautiful  than  of  any  other  Rose,  its 
leaves  being  thick,  and  of  a  rich  glossy-green."  As  to  hardi- 
ness, it  is  about  the  same  as  the  China  Rose.  "  It  is  one  of  the 
most  desirable  Roses  for  beds  or  borders.  When  covering  the 
whole  ground,  and  kept  well  pegged  down,  its  rich,  glossy 
foliage,  gemmed  with  fragrant  flowers,  produces  a  fine  effect." 
The  two  best  varieties  are  Alba  odorata  and  Maria  Leonida. 

Microphylla  Roses.  —  "  This  Rose  came  originally  from  the 
Himalayan  Mountains,  and  was  brought  to  Europe  in  1823." 


286  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

It  has  not  proved  hardy  with  me,  but  with  Mr,  Parsons  "  it 
has  endured  the  winter  for  the  past  two  years,  without  protec- 
tion, losing  only  a  portion  of  the  top  of  its  shoots.  Its 
foliage  is  small  and  singular,  and  its  growth  very  robust." 

KOSES  THAT  BLOOM  ONLY  ONCE  IN  THE  SEASON. 

•'  For  want  of  a  better,  we  use  this  term  to  designate  all  those 
Roses  that  bloom  only  once  in  the  season,  and  that  strongly 
resemble  each  other  in  habit  and  flower.  It  includes  those 
classes  called,  by  rose-growers,  French,  Provence,  Hybrid  Pro- 
vence, Hybrid  China,  Hybrid  Bourbon,  White  and  Damask 
Eoses."  We  refer  our  readers  to  Mr.  Parsons'  work,  for  many 
interesting  particulars  in  relation  to  this  classification,  and  for  a 
select  list  of  Roses,  coming  under  this  head.  During  the  sea- 
son of  the  flowering  of  the  Rose,  we  noted  a  few  varieties  as 
being  very  fine,  among  which  were  the  following  :  — 

White  Roses.  —  White  Unique,  Madame  Hardy,  Madame 
Plantier,  Ball  of  Snow,  and  Princess  Clementine.  The  old- 
fashioned  White  Rose  should  not  certainly  be  forgotten,  as  it  is 
associated  with  childhood.  It  is  one  of  the  three  first  Roses  that 
opened  their  buds  to  the  writer.  Who  can  forget  the  old  White 
Rose,  as  it  was  trained  up  the  side  of  the  house  ?  We  have 
seen  a  rose-bush,  of  this  variety,  trained  fifteen  feet  high. 

White  Roses,  Striped,  Mottled,  or  Shaded.  —  Painted 
Damask,  Margin  Globe,  Modeste,  New  Village  Maid,  Old  Vil- 
lage Maid. 

Rose-colored.  —  Franklin  Provence,  Las  Casas,  Caroline 
Mignonne,  Triomphe  of  Breslau,  Perpetual  de  Angers. 

Deep-red.  —  Velours  Episcopal,  Cerise  Superb,  Fulgens, 
29th  of  July,  Brennus,  La  Fontaine,  &c. 

Purple  a7id  Dark  Roses.  —  Mirabella,  Gen.  Thiers,  Gen. 
Lamarque,  Bell  Thurette,  Madame  Camper,  &c. 

This  list  might  be  extended,  but  I  have  given  enough,  proba- 
bly, to  select  from. 

Moss  Roses.  —  This  is  a  well-known  and  elegant  class  of 


ROSE.  287 

Roses,  of  which  the  common  Moss  is  about  the  only  one  that  is 
very  familiar.  The  Luxembourg  Moss  has  dark  crimson-cupped 
flowers,  and  is  a  vigorous  grower.  Perpetual  White  Moss  is 
handsome  only  in  bud.  It  produces  a  large  cluster  of  beauti- 
ful mossy  buds,  but  the  flowers  are  inferior.  It  is  not  properly 
a  perpetual,  but  produces  a  long  succession  of  buds.  The 
White  Bath  Moss  has  fine  white  flowers,  which  are  sometimes 
lightly  striped  with  pink. 

Princess  Adelaide  is  one  of  the  most  vigorous-growing  Moss 
Roses,  and  would  be  one  of  the  varieties  we  should  recom- 
mend. 

Cristata,  or  crested,  is  a  singular  and  beautiful  variety.  Ex- 
cepting when  in  bud,  it  does  not  have  the  appearance  of  a  Moss 
Rose.  The  calyx  has  a  beautiful  crested  appearance.  "  In  a 
rich  soil,  this  fringe-like  crest  most  beautifully  clasps  and  sur- 
mounts the  bud,  and  gives  the  rich  clusters  a  truly  elegant  ap- 
pearance. Its  form  is  globular,  and  its  color  rose."  Other 
varieties  recommended  are,  Alice  Leroy,  Crimson,  Catharine 
de  Wurtemburg,  Celina,  Eclatante,  Lancel,  Prolific,  Unique 
de  Provence,  and  Zoe. 

Scotch  Roses.  —  This  class  of  Roses  are  distinguished  by 
their  small  leaves,  prickly  stems,  abundant  bloom,  delicate 
habits,  early  bloom.  They  flower  about  two  weeks  before  the 
summer  Roses.  They  are  suitable  for  growing  in  masses,  or 
borders,  and  the  shrubbery.  The  original,  from  which  all  the 
varieties  sprang,  was  found  growing  wild  in  Scotland  and  the 
north  of  England.  In  some  of  the  catalogues  two  or  three 
hundred  varieties  are  described,  but  many  of  them  are  so  near 
alike,  it  would  be  difficult  to  see  the  difference.  Mr.  Parsons 
says  there  are  scarcely  forty  or  fifty,  distinct;  and  of  these  he 
recommends,  as  the  three  best,  the  Countess  of  Glasgow,  Queen 
of  May,  and  William  the  Fourth. 

Brier  Roses.  — "  These  Roses  are  distinguished  by  their 
small,  rough  foliage,  and  brier  habit.  They  include  the  Sweet 
Brier,  the  Hybrid  Sweet  Brier,  and  the  Austrian  Brier." 

The  Sweet  Brier  is  a  native  of  Europe,  and  found  abun- 


S§8  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

dantly  in  some  parts  of  this  country.  Mr.  Emerson  supposes 
that  it  was  introduced  into  this  country,  and  now  has  become 
naturalized ;  the  seeds  having  probably  been  disseminated  by 
birds. 

The  Double  Yellow  Provence  Rose  is  supposed  to  have  had 
its  origin  from  the  Austrian  Brier.  It  is  an  old  inhabitant  of 
some  gardens,  but  a  very  shy  bloomer,  showing  its  flowers  very 
sparing,  and,  some  j'ears,  none.  We  have  seen  the  bushes 
bending  with  their  load  of  flowers.  They  are  large,  very  double, 
of  a  pale-yellow.  On  account  of  its  peculiar  habits,  it  is  not 
worth  its  room  in  the  garden.  Copper  Austrian  "  is  a  very  sin- 
gular-looking Rose,  blooming  well  in  this  climate,  is  of  a  cop- 
pery-red, and  the  outside  inclining  to  pale-yellow,  or  sulphur." 
It  has  single  flowers,  but  they  are  truly  beautiful.  The  Yellow 
Harrison  Rose  was  considered  a  great  acquisition,  a  few  years 
since,  but  this  is  now  entirely  eclipsed  by  the  Persian  Yellow. 
Its  flowers  are  more  double,  and  of  a  more  brilliant  yellow,  than 
the  Harrison  ;  and  this  is  the  only  hardy  yellow  Rose  we  know  of, 
really  worth  growing,  except  the  Copper  Austrian.  The  flowers 
of  the  Austrian  Roses  are  produced  on  short  joints  all  along  the 
stem ;  they  will  not,  therefore,  bear  much  pruning. 

The  common  Sweet  Brier  is  worthy  a  place  in  every  garden, 
on  account  of  its  exquisite  fragrance.  In  pruning  this  section 
of  the  class,  the  old  wood  only  should  be  cut  out. 

"  Double-margined  Hip  is  a  Hybrid  Sweet  Brier,  of  luxuri- 
ant growth,  almost  adapted  to  a  pillar.  Its  form  is  cupped,  and 
its  color  creamy-white,  shaded  with  pink." 

Climbing  Roses.  —  The  Climbing  Roses  may  be  divided  into 
four  or  five  sub-classes,  viz.,  Boursalt,  Ayrshire,  Prairie,  Hy- 
brid China,  Noisette  or  Bourbon,  and  Miscellaneous.  In  the 
Miscellaneous  class,  the  old-fashioned  Cinnamon  may  be 
placed,  not  knowing  where  else  to  put  it;  and  it  should 
most  assuredly  have  a  place  somewhere,  "  for  auld  lang  syne," 
if  nothing  more.  It  deserves  a  place  in  the  shrubberj'^,  on  ac- 
count of  its  early  flowering  and  profuse  bloom.     It  opens  its 


blossoms  the  last   of  May,  in  this  climate,  and,  with  a  little 
attention,  will  make  a  bush  ten  or  twelve  feet  high. 

Boursalt  Roses.  —  The  Boarsalt  Roses  come  next  in  bloom 
after  the  Cinnamon.  They  are  all  desirable  on  account  of 
their  hardy  character  and  vigorous  growth.  "  Their  smooth 
bark  renders  them  desirable  for  stocks  to  bud  upon."  For  the 
extreme  north,  this  whole  class,  next  to  the  Prairie,  are  the 
most  desirable  for  pillars  and  trellises. 

Amadis  is  one  of  the  handsomest  of  the  Boursalt  Roses, 
producing  its  large  purplish-crimson  flowers  in  pendulous  clus- 
ters. 

For  distant  effect,  the  Common  Purple  Boursalt  is  not  with- 
out its  merits.  The  flowers  are  semi-double,  but  are  produced 
in  immense  numbers;  and,  then,  it  is  very  hardy. 

De  Lesle,  or  Blush  Boursalt.  —  This  is  one  of  the  earliest  of 
the  sub-class,  producing  large  blush  flowers,  with  a  deep  rose 
centre,  and  perfectly  double.  All  the  Boursalts  have  quite 
smooth  stems,  but  none  more  so  than  the  Thornless  Rose,  which 
comes  into  bloom  soon  after  the  Cinnamon.  Its  stems  are  per- 
fectly smooth;  it  makes  a  stout  bush,  ten  or  twelve  feet  high, 
and  is  covered  with  a  profusion  of  pretty  pink  roses.  This  is 
suitable  for  the  shrubbery.  The  Old  White  Rose  makes 
a  handsome  bush  for  training.  The  flowers  are  semi-double, 
of  a  fine  rose-white,  and,  when  properly  managed,  in  rich  soil, 
will  grow  twelve  to  fifteen  feet  high. 

Prairie  Roses.  —  Samuel  Feast,  Esq.,  of  Baltimore,  has  the 
honor  of  originating  the  first  Prairie  Rose,  — the  Queen  of  the 
Prairies,  —  for  which  the  Massachusetts  Horticultural  Soci- 
ety awarded  him  their  large  gold  medal,  as  a  special  premium. 
This  is  the  type  of  a  new  class  of  hardy  Roses,  and  proves  to 
be  a  most  valuable  acquisition  for  the  North,  it  being  as  hardy 
as  the  oak.  The  tribe  bloom  after  the  summer  Roses  are 
passed. 

Queen  of  the  Prairies  is  a  most  superb  variety  of  Rosa  rubi- 
folia,  a  native  of  the  West,  sometimes  known  as  the  Michigan 
Rose.     This  is  Mr.  Feast's  first  seedling,  and  considered  by 
25 


breck's  book  of  flowers. 

some  the  best.  The  flowers  are  of  a  deep  rose  color,  with  a 
white  stripe  in  the  centre  of  each  petal.  They  have  a  peculiar 
globular,  cap-shaped  form.  This  variety  is  the  most  luxurious 
grower  of  any  of  the  class,  making  a  surprising  growth  in  rich 
soil.     The  flowers  of  all  the  varieties  are  produced  in  clusters. 

Baltimore  Belle. — The  flowers  are  a  pale,  waxy  blush, 
almost  white,  very  double,  in  large  clusters  ;  like  the  other, 
perfectly  hardy. 

Rosa  superba  has  pale,  delicate  blush  roses,  in  large  clusters, 
the  flowers  not  so  large  as  the  Baltimore  Belle. 

Perpetual  Pink  produces  flowers  in  great  profusion,  which, 
continue  in  long  succession  ;  rather  small,  but  in  large  clusters, 
varying  from  light-pink  to  purple.  In  addition  to  those  de- 
scribed, there  are  many  other  varieties  equally  desirable,  and 
new  sorts  are  every  year  produced.  This  class  of  Roses  lack 
one  important  quality,  that  is,  fragrance. 

Ayrshire  Roses.  —  This  family  of  Roses  are  great  ramblers, 
producing  a  long,  slender,  luxuriant  growth  ;  but,  in  a  northern 
climate,  they  cannot  be  relied  on  as  being  perfectly  hardy,  un- 
less laid  down  and  covered  over.  They  produce  very  pretty 
flowers,  in  clusters,  mostly  white.  They  are  desirable  for  cov- 
ering "  unsightly  places,  old  buildings  and  decayed  trees." 
"  The  Ayrshire  Roses  are  also  valuable  for  weeping  trees. 
When  budded  on  some  stock  eight  or  ten  feet  high,  the 
branches  quickly  reach  the  ground,  and,  protecting  the  stem  by 
their  close  foliage,  present  a  weeping  tree  of  great  beauty, 
loaded  with  flowers." 

Some  of  the  most  desirable  varieties  are  the  Dundee  Ram- 
bler ;  flowers  in  large  clusters,  white,  edged  with  pink,  and  the 
double  blush. 

Hybrid  China,  Bourbo7is,  SfC.  —  Of  this  class  there  are  many 
varieties,  suitable  for  pillars,  or  poles,  but  which  it  will  be  the 
safest  course  to  be  careful  of  in  the  winter,  in  the  New  Eng- 
land States.  In  climbing  Roses,  length  is  an  important  feat- 
ure ;  and  if  these  hybrids  are  left  without  protection,  they 
may  lose  a  larg«  portion  of  the  new  wood,  unless  laid  down 


ROSE.  291 

and  covered  over.  Rivers'  George  the  Fourth  is  a  Hybrid 
China ;  grows  about  ten  feet  high  ;  flowers  large,  of  a  very- 
rich  crimson  color.  This  is  also  a  fine  dwarf  Rose,  when 
pruned  down,  and,  like  most  of  the  Hybrid  China,  stands  per- 
fectly well  in  the  open  ground,  but  the  tops  are  always  winter- 
killed here. 

Belle  Theresa.  —  Hybrid  China. —  A  rampant  grower,  with 
rich  dark  purple-crimson  flowers,  in  clusters,  under  medium 
size. 

Fulgens, — Hybrid  China, — has  beautiful  bright  scarlet- 
cupped  flowers. 

Gloire  de  Rosemene.  —  Bourbon.  —  This  fine  Rose  gives  a 
succession  of  fine  bright  crimson-scarlet  flowers,  but  rather 
tender. 

Brennus,  —  Hybrid  China,  —  has  large  bright  scarlet-crim- 
son flowers. 

Blanchfleur.  —  Hybrid  China.  —  Pure  white  ;  of  a  very 
double  and  compact  form,  and  an  abundant  bloomer ;  about  six 
feet  high. 

Madame  d'Arbly.  —  Hybrid  climber,  of  great  luxuriance, 
flowers  white,  in  exuberant  clusters ;  too  tender  for  the  North. 

La  Tourterelle,  or  Dove  Rose,  —  Hybrid  China,  —  a  very 
luxuriant  grower,  but  succeeds  well  as  a  dwarf  Rose,  when 
pruned  down.  The  flowers  are  large,  cup-shaped,  of  a  pur- 
plish-lilac or  dove  color. 

Phillipar,  —  Noisette,  or  Bourbon,  —  admired  for  its  profu- 
sion, and  peculiar  rosy-lilac  hue  of  the  flowers,  blooming  with- 
out intermission  from  June  to  November. 

Of  the  Hybrid  Perpetual  Roses,  suitable  for  training,  are 
Madame  Laffliy,  blooming  three  or  four  times  in  the  season, 
with  bright  rosy  flowers ;  Prince  Albert,  already  named,  with 
large  flowers,  of  a  rich  crimson  color  and  perfect  shape;  and 
Youland  d'Arragon,  with  fine,  deep  flowers.  There  are  some 
of  this  class  that  can  be  made  to  grow  in  rich  grounds  five  to 
six  feet  high. 

In  planting  climbing  Roses,  they  should  always  be  cut  down 


292  breck's  book  of  flowrrs. 

to  within  a  few  inches  of  the  ground,  as  it  is  important  to  get 
a  clean,  vigorous  growth  for  the  next  year's  bloom.  Another 
important  matter  is,  to  dig  the  ground  deep  and  have  it  thor- 
oughly enriched.  A  third  is,  in  pruning.  The  wood  of  climb- 
ing Roses  does  not  produce  so  fine  flowers  after  it  is  two  years 
old.  It  is  necessary,  therefore,  to  encourage  the  growth  of  one 
or  more  new  shoots  every  year,  cutting  out  the  old  wood  as  fast 
as  there  is  new  to  supply  its  place.  The  lateral  branches  are 
to  be  pruned  in,  while  the  main  stems  are  to  be  kept  the 
whole  length. 

We  had  almost  forgot  the  Multiflora  Rose,  a  class  distinct 
from  those  already  named ;  they  produce  flowers  in  large  clus- 
ters, but  rather  small.  Some  of  the  varieties  are,  the  Cottage 
Rose,  Laure  Davoust,  Garland,  &c.  In  New  England  they 
are  all  rather  tender. 

In  closing  our  remarks  on  Roses,  we  cannot  refrain  from  giv- 
ing Gerarde's  account  of  it  some  two  hundred  and  fifty  years 
ago.  His  mode  of  classification  was,  among  thorny  plants. 
"  This  plant  of  Roses,  though  it  be  a  shrub  full  of  prickles,  yet 
it  had  been  more  fit  and  convenient  to  have  placed  it  with  the 
most  glorious  flowers  of  the  world,  than  to  insert  the  same  here, 
among  base  and  thorny  shrubs,  for  the  Rose  doth  deserve  the 
chiefest  and  most  principled  place  among  all  flowers  whatso- 
ever, being  not  only  esteemed  for  its  beauty,  vertues,  and  his 
fragrant,  odoriferous  smell,  but  also  because  it  is  the  honour  and 
ornament  of  our  English  sceptre,  as  by  the  conjunction  appear- 
eth  in  the  uniting  of  those  two  most  royal  houses  of  Lancaster 
and  York.  ^  *  It  is  reported  that  the  Turks  can  by  no  means 
endure  to  see  the  leaves  of  Roses  fall  to  the  ground,  because 
that  some  of  them  have  dreamed  that  the  first  or  most  ancient 
Rose  did  spring  from  the  blood  of  Venus,  and  others  of  the  Ma- 
hometans say,  that  it  sprang  from  the  sweat  of  Mahomet.  *  ^ 
The  Holland,  or  Provence  Rose  hath  divers  shoots,  proceed- 
ing from  a  woody  root,  full  of  sharp  prickles,  dividing  itself 
into  divers  branches,  whereon  do  grow  leaves,  consisting  of  five 
leaves  set  upon  a  single   rn id-rib,  and  those  snip  about  the 


KOSE.  293 

edges ;  the  flowers  do  grow  on  the  tops  of  the  branches,  in 
shape  and  color  like  the  Damask  Rose,  but  greater  and  more 
double,  insomuch  that  the  yellow  chives  in  the  middle  are  hard 
to  be  seen;  of  a  reasonable  good  smell,  but  not  full  so  sweet  as 
the  common  Damask  Rose;  the  fruit  is  like  the  other  of  his 
kinde." 

ON    THE    ODORS    OF    ROSES    AND    THE    MODES    OF    OBTAINING   THEM. 

"  Go,  crop  the  gay  Rose's  vermeil  bloom. 
And  waft  its  spoils,  a  sweet  perfume, 
In  incense  to  the  skies."  —  Ogilvie. 

"  Of  their  sweet  deaths  are  sweetest  odors  made." 

Shakspeabe. 

"This  Queen  of  the  garden  loses  not  its  diadem  in  the  per- 
fuming world.  The  oil  of  roses,  or,  as  it  is  commonly  called, 
the  otto  or  attar  of  roses,  is  abstracted  by  various  processes 
from  the  Cabbage  Rose  in  Turkey,  Persia  and  India  ;  the  finest 
is  imported  from  Ghazepore,  in  the  latter  country.  For  obtain- 
ing it,  the  procurers  at  each  place  have  their  own  mode  of 
operation;  the  best  method,  however,  is  to  stratify  the  flowers 
with  a  seed  containing  a  fat-oil ;  they  will  absorb  the  essential 
oil  of  roses,  and  swell  a  good  deal  if  the  flowers  are  changed 
repeatedly.  They  are  then  pressed,  and  the  product  allowed  to 
stand  for  a  time  ;  the  otto  rises  to  the  surface,  and  is  finally 
purified  by  distillation.  Pure  otto  of  roses,  from  its  cloying 
sweetness,  has  not  many  admirers ;  it  is,  moreover,  likely  to 
produce  headache  and  vertigo  in  this  state  ;  when  diluted,  how- 
ever, there  is  nothing  to  equal  it  in  odor,  especially  if  mixed  in 
soap,  to  form  rose  soap,  or  in  the  pure  spirit  form,  ^Esprit  de 
Rose.'  The  former  preparation  not  allowing  the  perfume  to 
evaporate  very  fast,  we  are  not  so  readily  surfeited  with  the 
smell  as  in  the  latter.  The  finest  preparation  of  Rose  as  an 
odor,  is  made  at  Grasse,  in  France  ;  here  the  flower  is  not 
treated  for  the  otto,  but  simply  by  maceration  in  fat,  as  men- 
tioned with  other  flowers. 

"  The  Rose  Pomade,  thus  made,  if  digested  in  alcohol,  yields 
Esprit  de  Rose  of  the  first  order,  very  superior  to  that  which  is 
25* 


294  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

made  by  the  addition  of  otto  to  spirit.  It  is  difficult  to  account 
for  this  difference,  but  it  is  sufficiently  characteristic  to  form  a 
distinct  odor.  It  is  never  sold  by  the  perfumer ;  he  reserves  this  to 
form  part  of  his  recherche  bouquets.  Some  wholesale  druggists 
have,  however,  been  selling  it  to  country  practitioners  for  them 
to  form  extemporaneous  water,  which  it  does  to  great  perfec- 
tion. Roses  are  cultivated  lo  a  large  extent  in  England,  near 
Mitcham,  in  Surrey,  for  perfumers'  use,  to  make  rose-water; 
the  odor  of  the  English  flower  is  not  strong  enough  to  use  for 
any  other  purpose.  Though  the  dried  rose-leaves  are  used  for 
scent-bags,  they  retain  but  little  of  their  native  fragrance.  In 
the  season  when  successive  crops  can  be  got,  they  are  gathered 
as  soon  as  the  dew  is  off,  and  sent  up  to  town  in  sacks.  When 
they  arrive  they  are  immediately  spread  out  on  a  cool  floor ; 
otherwise,  if  left  in  a  heap,  they  will  heat  to  such  an  extent  in 
two  or  three  hours,  as  to  be  quite  spoiled;  to  preserve  them  for 
use  they  are  immediately  pickled ;  for  this  purpose  the  leaves  are 
separated  from  the  stalk,  and  to  every  bushel  of  flowers,  equal 
to  six  pounds,  one  pound  of  common  salt  is  thoroughly  rubbed 
in ;  the  whole  becomes  a  pasty  mass,  and  is  finally  stowed  away 
in  casks.  In  this  way  they  will  keep  almost  any  length  of 
time  without  seriously  injuring  their  fragrance.  For  rose- 
water,  which  is  best  prepared  from  time  to  time,  take  12  lbs.  of 
pickled  Roses,  and  2|  gallons  of  water,  place  them  in  a  still, 
and  draw  off  2  gallons;  this  product  will  be  the  'double  dis- 
tilled rose-water'  of  the  shops."  —  English  paper . 


RUBUS. 

Bramble. 

This  genus  embraces  a  class  of  rambling  rough  plants,  well 
known  and  highly  prized  for  their  grateful,  delicious,  and  whole- 
some fruits  ;  the  Raspberries,  Blackberries,  and  Thimble-berries, 
with  their  varieties.  The  High  Blackberry  produces  clusters 
of  handsome  white  flowers,  succeeded  by  delicious  fruit,  and 
when  cultivated  in  the  garden  is  much  improved. 


EAMBITCUS SHEPARDIA.  295 

Rubus  odoratus.  —  The  Flowering  Raspberrj-.  —  This  is  the 
only  ornamental  variety ;  found  growing  freely  in  mountainous 
districts  in  most  parts  of  this  State,  "  giving  a  charm  to  many 
a  solitary  spot  by  its  large,  rose-like  flowers."  The  leaves  are 
large  and  handsome.  The  fruit  is  inferior  to  the  other  species. 
It  deserves  a  place  among  other  shrubs.  It  should  be  planted 
in  a  shady  place. 

—* — 

SAMBUCUS. 

Sambucus  canadensis. — Common  Elder. —  This  very  common 
shrub  grows  about  eight  or  ten  feet  high  in  low  ground,  and 
conspicuous  in  June  and  July  for  its  broad  cymes  of  white 
flowers,  succeeded  by  clusters  of  small,  dark-purple,  or  nearly 
black,  berries.  An  infusion  of  the  bruised  leaves  is  used  by 
gardeners  to  expel  insects  from  vines.  The  flowers  are  highly 
esteemed,  as  having  important  medicinal  qualities.  The  plant, 
on  account  of  its  ornamental  flowers  and  berries,  may  be  intro- 
duced into  extensive  shrubberies. 

Sambucus  p7ibens.  —  Panicled  Elder.  —  This  species  is  not 
so  common  as  the  last.  It  is  found  in  mountainous  places, 
and  is  conspicuous  on  account  of  its  bright-red  berries,  —  other- 
wise destitute  of  beauty. 

SHEPARDIA. 

Bvffalo  Tree. 

Shepardia,  named  by  ISuttall,  in  compliment  to  Mr.  Thomas 
Shepard,  of  the  Botanic  Garden,  Liverpool. 

Shepardia  elegnoides.  —  Buffalo  Tree. —  This  graceful  shrub, 
or  low  tree,  is  found  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  Rocky  Moun- 
tains, in  large  clumps,  or  clusters.  It  is  eaten  or  broused  by 
the  Buffalo,  by  which  it  derives  its  common  name.  The  tree 
is  graceful  in  its  appearance,  growing  from  ten  to  thirteen 
feet  high  ;  the  branches  are  rather  pendulous ;  the  leaves  are 
small,  of  a  soft,  woolly  nature,  and  have  a  silvery  appearance. 


296  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

It  is  male  and  female,  on  different  plants.  The  branches  of 
the  female  trees  are  thickly  studded  with  clusters  of  small 
crimson  berries,  nearly  the  size  of  the  red  currant.  The  fruit 
has  a  pleasant  acid  flavor,  and  is  sometimes  used  for  jelly  or 
preserve.  There  is  an  astringent  taste  in  addition  to  the  acid, 
which  makes  the  fruit  of  little  value,  in  comparison  with  the 
common  currant.  For  an  ornamental  tree  or  shrub,  it  deserves 
a  place  among  other  plants.  It  is  beautiful  fruit.  Male  and 
female  plants  should  be  ordered.  The  flowers  cannot  boast  of 
much  beauty. 


SPARTIUM. 
Broom. 

Spartium,  from  Greek,  signifying  cordage ;  the  earliest 
ropes  were  made  of  this  and  similar  plants.  The  species  are 
shrubs,  thick-set  with  verdant,  flexible,  rush-like  twigs,  which 
are  very  ornamental  in  winter,  and  generally  profusely  covered 
with  showy  white  or  yellow  pea-shaped  flowers  in  summer. 

Spartium  scoparii/m.  —  Common  Brown.  —  A  very  orna- 
mental shrub  in  garden  scenery,  producing  a  profusion  of  its 
showy  blossoms.  It  is  not  verjr  common  in  New  England,  as 
our  winters  are  rather  severe  upon  it.  In  the  interior  of  the 
country,  we  find  no  difficulty  in  keeping  it,  when  the  snovvs  are 
deep.  If  planted  on  the  north  side  of  a  wall,  and  covered  with 
snow,  it  will  be  found  perfectly  green  in  the  spring,  and  flowers 
abundantly. 

SPIR^A. 

Spircsa,  in  Greek,  signifies  a  cord.  Spireon  is  Pliny's  name 
for  a  plant,  the  blossoms  of  which  are  used  in  garlands.  The 
genus  affords  many  ornamental  shrubs,  all  very  hardy,  and 
easy  to  cultivate. 

SpircBa  hypericafulia.  —  Hyperica-leaved  Spiraea,  or,  St.  Pe- 
ter's Wreath.  —  This  is  a  very  elegant  shrub,  producing  its 


spirjEa.  297 

numerous  small  white  flowers  in  long  garlands,  upon  the  deli- 
cate curving  branches  of  the  plant.  The  bush,  when  in  flower, 
has  the  appearance  of  being  covered  with  a  light  fall  of  snow. 
The  foliage  is  elegant ;  it  is  in  flower  in  May  and  June ; 
grows  about  four  feet  high  ;  the  extremities  of  the  branches  are 
sometimes  winter-killed ;  easily  propagated  by  suckers,  divis- 
ions of  the  root,  or  by  layers,  as  all  the  species  are. 

Spircea  opidifolia.  —  Nine-Bark  Spiraea.  —  "  An  ornamental 
native  shrub,  found  from  Canada  to  Georgia ;  from  five  to 
seven  feet  high,  distinguished  for  the  abundance  of  its  showy 
heads  of  flowers,  and  for  its  conspicuous  fruit.  The  stem  is 
rugged,  with  loose,  gray  bark,  easily  detached,  and  falling  off. 
Flowers  in  hemispherical  heads,  on  a  short  stalk, — each  flower 
on  a  slender,  downy  thread ;  white,  with  a  rose  tinge." 

Spirfsa  salicifolia.  —  The  Queen  of  the  Meadows.  —  This  is 
a  very  pretty  shrub,  from  two  to  four,  and  sometimes  six, 
feet  high,  with  terminal  heads  of  neat  white,  sometimes  rose- 
tinted  flowers,  in  June  and  July. 

SpircBa  tomentosa.  —  Steeple  Bush,  —  Hardback.  —  This  is 
a  very  common,  leafy  shrub,  from  two  to  five  feet  high,  growing 
in  wet  ground,  and  distinguished  in  the  flowering  season  for  its 
long,  tapering  spire  of  purple  flowers.  A  few  years  since  we 
ordered  all  the  handsome  Spirseas  from  England,  excluding  all 
that  we  possessed.  When  they  came  into  flower,  we  found 
among  them,  this  old,  familiar  country  friend.  It  is,  how- 
ever, handsome  when  cultivated  and  pruned  of  the  previous 
year's  stem,  which  disfigures  it  very  much,  when  growing  in  the 
pastures. 

"  This  plant  has  very  valuable  astringent  qualities,  and  is 
employed  as  a  tonic  in  dysentery,  and  other  disorders  of  the 
system." 

Spircea  prvnifolia  plena.  —  Double  Prune-leaved  Spirasa. — 
This  is  one  of  the  most  desirable  species  or  varieties  of  the 
Spiraea,  and  is  perfectly  hardy.  The  following  account  is  from 
the  Gardener's  Chronicle.  "  This  charming  shrub  was  intro- 
duced into  Europe  by  Dr.  Siebold,  to  whom  our  collections  are 


298  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

are  indebted  for  so  many  novelties,  only  to  be  procured  with 
the  utmost  difficulty.  It  deserves  the  attention  of  all  amateurs, 
as  well  for  its  hardiness  as  its  elegant  habit  and  beautiful 
flowers.  The  Dutch  traveller  found  it  cultivated  in  the  Japan- 
ese gardens,  and  supposes  its  native  country  to  be  Corea,  or  the 
north  of  China.  It  is  a  shrub,  from  six  to  nine  feet  high,  and 
has  upright,  close,  bushy,  slender  branches,  which  are  covered 
with  a  smooth,  ash-colored  bark,  that  detaches  itself  at  later 
periods  in  thin  scales.  The  leaves  are  oval,  or  ovate  elliptic, 
rounded  at  their  base,  obtuse  or  a  little  acute  at  their  apex, 
downy  beneath,  denticulated  at  the  edge.  The  flowers,  which 
grow  by  threes  or  sixes,  cover  the  whole  length  of  the  branches, 
are  as  white  as  snow,  and  very  double,  in  consequence  of  a 
complete  abortion  of  their  stamens.  Their  shape  is  exactly 
like  that  of  the  Ranunculus  aconitifoUus  with  double  flowers, 
and  their  number  and  arrangement,  with  a  light  and  elegant 
bright-green  foliage,  render  this  plant  a  charming  addition  to 
the  shrubs  which  grow  in  the  native  air."  It  flowers  in  this 
climate  in  May. 

S.  Douglassii.  —  Mr.  Douglass'  Spiraea.  —  This  shrub  is  no- 
ticed by  Mr.  Downing,  as  a  new  species  from  California,  hav- 
ing some  resemblance  to  S.  tovientosa,  flowering  in  the  same 
manner;  flowers  fine  rosy-lilac,  continuing  in  bloom  from  July 
till  the  autumnal  frosts  commence.  This  species  flowered  in 
our  collection  last  year  ;  but,  as  the  plants  were  not  fully  estab- 
lished, we  could  not  judge  of  its  merits.  The  resemblance  was 
so  near  to  S.  tomentosa,  that  we  were  unfavorably  impressed 
with  its  appearance. 

S.  sorbifoUa.  — Pinnate-leaved  Spirsea.  —  This  is  a  vigorous 
shrub,  a  native  of  Siberia.  It  develops  its  handsome  pinnate 
foliage  very  early  in  the  spring.  The  leaflets  are  serrated,  or 
with  notched  edges.  The  flowers  are  yellowish-white,  pro- 
duced in  large,  dense  panicles,  in  June,  The  flowers  seem  to  be 
peculiarly  attractive  to  the  rose-bugs,  which  sometimes  disfigure 
and  spoil  their  beauty  by  the  immense  numbers  which  delight 
to  revel  in  its  sweets.     This  shrub  propagates  itself  too  fast, 


spiR^A.  299 

as  it  throws  up  its  suckers  in  great  profusion,  and  makes  itself 
quite  too  common ;  otherwise  it  would  be  a  desirable  plant  for 
the  shrubbery. 

S.  bella.  —  Pretty  Spircea.  —  This  is  a  dwarf  species,  about 
three  feet  high,  producing  its  beautiful  pink  flowers  in  little, 
dense  hemispherical  heads,  in  June  ;  a  neat  little  shrub,  worthy 
of  a  place  in  every  collection. 

S.  Reevesii. — Mr.  Reeves'  Spiraea.  —  We  consider  this  one 
of  the  most  elegant  and  desirable  species  of  the  whole  family. 
The  flowers  are  of  a  snowy  whiteness,  produced  in  clusters,  the 
whole  length  of  its  graceful,  arching  stems,  which,  intermingled 
with  the  handsome  foliage,  produce  a  pleasing  effect.  The 
shrub  is  delicate  in  its  growth,  about  four  feet  high,  and  flowers 
in  June.     It  is  propagated  by  cuttings,  layers,  and  suckers. 

S.  airifolia.  —  This  is  a  very  delicate  species  we  have  in  our 
collection,  with  exceedingly  graceful,  airj^-like  foliage,  with 
small  heads  of  white  flowers ;  two  or  three  feet  high. 

S.  Icevigata.  —  Smooth-leaved  Spiraea.  —  This  species  has 
smooth  lanceolate  leaves,  without  serrature  or  notch.  The 
flowers  are  white,  in  compound  racemes,  somewhat  fragrant. 
It  is  not  very  showy,  but,  in  a  collection,  makes  up  a  variety ; 
about  two  or  three  feet  high. 

S.  argentia.  —  Silver-striped-leaved  Spiraea.  —  This  very  del- 
icate species  has  variegated  leaves,  with  graceful,  airy  foliage, 
similar  in  its  habits  to  airifolia  ;  flowers  nearly  the  same. 

iS.  trilohata.  —  Three-lobed-leaved  Spiraea.  —  The  leaves  of 
this  species  are  bluntly  three-lobed,  and  toothed,  or  notched. 
The  flowers  are  white,  in  stalked  umbels,  about  three  or  four 
feet  high. 

Take  the  species  together,  we  do  not  know  any  genus  of 
plants  where  the  foliage  is  so  diversified.  When  grouped 
together,  they  make  a  fine  appearance,  either  in  flower  or 
foliage.  There  are  many  other  species  that  have  not  come 
under  our  observation,  which,  no  doubt,  are  as  valuable  for  the 
shrubbery  as  those  described. 


300  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

SYMPHORIA. 

Snowberry. 

Symphoria  is  from  a  combination  of  Greek  words,  signifying 
"  a  plant  which  bears  its  fruit  together  in  clusters." 

Symphoria  racemosa.  —  Common  Snowberry.  —  This  is  a 
delicate,  hardy,  North  American  shrub,  extensively  known  and 
much  cultivated  on  account  of  its  fine  white  berries,  which  are 
quite  ornamental,  after  the  leaves  have  fallen.  The  flowers 
are  pink,  and  rather  inconspicuous ;  the  shrub  grows  about 
four  feet  high ;  easily  propagated  by  suckers. 

S.  glomcrata.  —  Cluster-berried  Symphoria,  or  Indian  Cur- 
rant. —  This  has  no  claims  to  beauty,  as  to  the  flowers,  which, 
like  the  last,  are  small  and  inconspicuous,  of  a  pink  color. 
These  are  succeeded  by  dark  brownish-purple  berries,  which 
are  thickly  clustered  upon  the  branches,  three  feet  high.  It  is 
propagated  in  the  same  way.  Both  these  species  thrive  in  the 
shade  and  under  the  droppings  of  trees. 


SYRINGA. 

Lilac. 

"  Various  in  array,  now  white, 
Now  sanguine,  and  her  beauteous  head  now  set 
With  purple  spikes  pyramidal." 

Syringa,  —  some  say  from  Greek,  an  Arcadian  nymph,  or, 
more  properly,  here,  a  pipe.  The  tubes  of  the  finest  Turkish 
pipes  are  manufactured  from  the  wood  of  it ;  but  the  true  root 
of  the  word  is  to  be  found  in  sirinx,  its  native  name  in  Barbary. 
Lilac  is  a  Persian  word,  signifying  a  flower.  All  the  species 
are  most  beautiful  flowering  shrubs,  readily  propagated  by 
suckers,  which  they  throw  up  in  abundance.  The  common 
Lilac  seems  to  have  been  introduced  before  or  during  the  reign 


TECOMA.  301 

of  Henry  VIIL,  for  in  the  inventory,  taken  by  the  order  of 
Cromwell,  of  the  articles  in  the  gardens  of  the  palace  of  Non- 
such, are  mentioned  six  Lilacs,  —  "  trees  which  bear  no  fruit, 
but  oidy  a  pleasant  smell."  —  (Loudon.) 

Syringa  vulgaris.  - —  The  Common  Lilac.  — This  is  so  well 
known  that  it  needs  no  description.  The  purple  variety  is 
found  in  almost  every  garden;  the  white  is  more  scarce. 
Grown  together,  they  are  very  beautiful;  and,  notwithstanding 
they  are  old-fashioned,  common,  and  vulgar,  with  some  people, 
we  esteem  them  as  some  of  our  most  valuable  and  ornamental 
♦shrubs  of  the  season. 

S.  Persica.  —  Persian  Lilac.  —  This  species  is  "  far  more 
delicate  and  pretty  than  the  common  Lilacs,  both  in  leaf  and 
blossom.  The  bunches  of  flowers  are  frequently  a  foot  long,  and 
weigh  down  the  tender  terminal  slender  shoots  so  as  to  give  the 
plant  a  very  graceful  appearance.  The  lohite  and  purjule,  both 
beautiful;  the  Cut-leaved  Lilac  has  interesting  and  delicate 
foliage."  The  Persian  Lilac  grows  about  four  or  five  feet  high. 
All  'the  species  bloom  the  last  of  May  and  the  first  of  June. 

The  common  Lilacs  are  suitable  for  the  back  of  the  shrub- 
bery. "  This  was  one  of  the  first  plants  introduced  by  our 
forefathers,  and  is  universally  found ;  often  in  the  front  of  an- 
cient houses,  growing  almost  to  the  size  of  a  tree."  To  make 
a  small  tree  of  it,  care  must  be  taken  to  destroy  all  the  suckers 
and  keep  a  clean  stem.  The  Persian  varieties  are  suitable  for 
planting  in  clumps,  or  in  the  front  of  the  shrubbery.  Some 
beautiful  new  varieties  have  been  imported  within  a  few  years, 
producing  immense  clusters  of  flowers.  There  is  one  variety 
with  double  flowers,  but  it  is  not  an  improvement. 


TECOMA. 

This  genus   has  been  separated  from  Bignonia,  and  now 
includes  T.  radicans  and  T.  grandiflora. 

Tecoma  radicans  has  been  described  under  the  head  of  Big- 
nonia. 

26 


302  brkck's  book  of  flowers. 

Tecotna  grandijlora  has  flowered  with  us,  but  it  is  rather  ten- 
der in  this  climate.  It  is  a  native  of  China  and  Japan.  "  In 
the  growth  of  the  wood  it  is  rather  more  slender,  and  the 
leaves  more  coarsely  serrated  than  those  of  B.  radicans.  The 
vine  has  the  same  habit  of  attaching  itself  firmly  to  a  wall,  or 
building  of  stone,  brick,  or  wood,  or  to  the  trunk  of  a  tree 
within  its  reach,  by  the  numerous  small  air-rootlets  which  it 
sends  out  from  the  inner  sides  of  its  shoots. 

"  In  the  blossoms  of  the  Tecoma  grandijlora,  however,  lies 
its  peculiar  beauty.  These  are  produced,  in  great  profusion  of 
clusters,  in  July  and  August,  so  as  to  give  the  whole  plant  an* 
exceedingly  gay  and  lively  appearance.  The)' are  not  long  and 
tubular,  like  those  of  the  common  Trumpet  Flower,  but  some- 
what cup-shaped.  =^  =*  *  The  color  is  beautifully  varied, 
the  outside  being  a  rich  pure  orange-scarlet,  marked  with 
brighter  streaks.  These  gay  clusters  open  their  blossoms  in  suc- 
cession, so  as  to  keep  up  a  brilliant  appearance  for  a  long  time; 
and  we  are  acquainted  with  no  climbing  shrub,  except  the 
Chinese  Wistaria,  which  at  all  vies  in  elegance  or  brilliancy 
of  effect,  in  the  garden  or  pleasure-ground,  with  this  during  the 
season  of  bloom.  Last  season,  we  counted  over  three  hundred 
in  bloom,  at  once,  upon  a  plant  in  our  neighborhood;  and  the 
same  profuse  display  continued  a  fortnight  or  more. 

"  The  Tecoma  grandijlora  may  be  grown  with  perfect  ease 
where  the  old  Trumpet  Flower  (T.  radicans)  thrives.  North 
of  this  (Newburg,  N.  Y.)  it  will,  perhaps,  require  a  little  pro- 
tection in  winter,  such  as  a  layer  of  straw  tied  over  the  larger 
shoots,  or  some  branches  of  evergreens  laid  against  them  at  the 
approach  of  winter.  A  northern  site  will  also  be  found  the 
better  one  at  the  north,  wherever  there  is  a  doubt  of  its  hardi- 
ness, since  the  temperature  will,  in  such  a  site,  be  more  uni- 
form and  less  injurious  than  in  a  southern  aspect.  Wherever 
the  Isabella  grape  ripens,  this  handsome  climbing  shrub  will  be 
easily  cultivated  in  almost  any  situation.  If  there  are  any 
fears  of  its  hardiness,  it  may  be  protected,  as  we  have  pointed 
out,  for  a  couple  of  years,  till   the  wood  gets  strong  and  well- 


VIBURNUM.  303 

hardened.  Any  dry,  light,  well-drained  soil,  suits  this  climber. 
It  should  be  made  moderately  rich,  and  in  such  soil,  when 
planted  against  a  wall,  it  will  cover  a  space  twelve  or  fourteen 
feet  square,  in  two  or  three  seasons.  It  is  well  worthy  the 
attention  of  those  who  are  looking  for  climbers  of  a  permanent 
kind,  to  cover  unsightly  walks,  or  close  fences,  or  to  render  gar- 
den buildings  of  any  kind  more  ornamental,  by  a  rich  canopy 
of  foliage  and  bloom."  —  [Doivning.) 


VIBURNUM. 

Yihurnum  opulus.  —  Snowball  Garden  Kose.  —  This  ele- 
gant shrub  is  a  common  ornament  of  the  garden,  producing 
large  white  bunches  of  flowers  like  those  of  the  Hydrangea; 
grouped  with  the  Laburnum,  purple  and  w'hite  Lilacs,  double- 
flowering  Thorns,  &c.,  it  has  a  fine  effect ;  in  flower  the  last 
of  May  and  June  ;  eight  or  ten  feet  high  ;  propagated  from 
suckers,  layers,  and  cuttings. 

Viburman  lentago.  —  Sweet  Viburnum.  —  A  native  species 
of  great  beauty.  Mr.  Emerson  describes  it  as  a  "  beautiful  small 
tree,  rising  to  the  height  of  fifteen  to  twenty  feet,  with  rich 
foliage,  and  clothed,  in  June,  with  a  profusion  of  delicate, 
showy  flowers."  The  flowers  are  produced  in  terminal  cymes, 
and  from  them  a  very  agreeable  fragrance  is  diffused.  "  There 
is  a  softness  and  richness  about  the  flowers  and  foliage  of  the 
Sweet  Vibernum,  which  distinguish  it  above  all  others  of  the 
same  genus.  It  is  hardly  less  beautiful  in  fruit,  from  the  pro- 
fusion of  the  rich  blue  berries  hanging  down  among  the 
curled  leaves,  which  are  beginning  to  assume  the  beautiful 
hues  of  autumn.  A  tree  of  this  kind  makes  a  fine  appearance 
at  the  angle  of  a  walk,  or  in  the  corner  of  a  garden,  as  its  del- 
icacy invites  a  near  approach,  and  rewards  examination.  With 
this  delicacy  of  appearance,  it  is  a  hardy  plant,  and  may  some- 
times be  seen  on  the  bleak  hillside,  where  it  has  encountered 
the  north-west  stormy  winds  for  a  score  of  years." 

We    think  this  Viburnum   much  more   desirable  than  the 


304  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

common  Snowball.  As  it  is  found  growing  in  uplands,  no 
doubt  it  will  flourish  in  any  garden  loam,  and  propagated  the 
same  as  the  Snowball. 

We  have  a  number  of  other  species,  which  would  well  repay 
cultivation.  Most  of  them  would  require  the  same  treatment 
as  the  Azalea,  and  that  class  of  plants,  as  they  are  found  in 
swamps  and  woods.  Some  of  them  are  very  beautiful,  viz., 
Y.  dentatum,  7iitdnvi,  acerifoliiim,  &cc. 

Viburnum  lantaiioides.  —  Wayfaring  Tree,  Hobble  Bush.  — 
This  fine  native  plant  "  received  its  specific  name,  lantanoides, 
from  its  resemblance  to  the  English  Wayfaring  Tree,  Y.  lantana, 
the  tree  which  William  addresses,  when  he  says :  — 

'  Wayfaring  Tree  !  what  ancient  claim 
Hast  thou  to  that  right  pleasant  name  ? 
***** 
Whate'er  it  be,  I  love  it  well,  — 
A  name,  methinks,  that  surely  fell 
From  poet,  in  some  evening  dell. 
Wandering  with  fancies  sweet.' 

"  That  tree  rises  to  the  height  of  eighteen  or  twenty  feet, 
and  has  an  ample  head  of  white  flowers.  Ours,  less  fortunate 
in  its  name,  is  a  stout,  low  bush,  found  in  dark,  rocky  woods, 
and  making  a  show,  in  such  solitary  places,  of  a  broad  head  of 
flowers,  the  marginal  ones  often  an  inch  across."  ^  #  * 
"  The  leaves  are  from  four  to  six  inches  in  length  and  breadth, 
roundish,  heart-shaped  at  base,  ending  in  a  short,  abrupt  point, 
and  unequally  serrate  on  the  margin.  They  are  smooth  above, 
but  beneath  downy  on  the  veins,  which  are  thereby  rendered 
strikingly  distinct.  #  #  *  The  fruit  is  ovate,  large,  of 
bright  crimson  color,  turning  afterwards  almost  black."  —  {Em- 
erson^ The  first  time  we  beheld  this  crooked,  straggling  shrub, 
in  flower,  in  its  native  haunts,  a  dark  swamp,  we  thought  it 
one  of  the  most  ornamental  shrubs  of  the  country.  It  is  cer- 
tainly worthy  of  a  place  in  every  collection  of  shrubs.  It  will 
no  doubt  succeed  with  the  same  treatment  as  the  Rhododen- 


WEIGELA.  305 

dron,  or  Azalea,  and  may  be  propagated  by  seeds,  layers,  or 
cuttings. 

V.  oxycocctis.  —  Cranberry  Tree,  High  Cranberry.  —  "A 
handsome  low  tree,  five  to  ten  feet  in  height,  ornamented 
throughout  the  year  with  flowers,  or  fruit.  In  May,  or  early 
in  June,  it  spreads  open,  at  the  end  of  every  branch,  a  broad 
cyme  of  soft,  delicate  flowers,  surrounded  by  an  irregular  circle 
of  snow-white  stars,  scattered,  apparently,  for  show.  The 
fruit,  which  is  red  when  ripe,  is  of  a  pleasant  acid  taste, 
resembling  cranberries,  for  which  it  is  sometimes  substituted." 
This  shrub  is  said  to  be  the  parent  of  the  Guilder  Rose  or 
Snowball,  V.  opulus.  Mr.  Emerson  calls  this,  V.  opiihis,  and 
the  Snowball  a  variety,  between  which,  according  to  Dr.  Tor- 
rey  and  Grey,  there  is  no  essential  difference.  It  is  one  of  our 
handsomest  native  shrubs. 

V.  macrocephalum.  —  Great-clustered  Snowball.  —  "  This  is 
a  new  and  splendid  species,  that  has  not  been  much,  if  any,  cul- 
tivated in  this  country.  M.  Van  Houtte  describes  it  as  found 
growing  in  the  gardens  about  Chusan,  China,  where  it  forms  a 
shrub,  or  tree,  twenty  feet  high.  It  flowers  every  year,  in  May, 
producing  its  enormous  clusters,  Avhich  equal  those  of  the  old 
garden  Snoivball,  or  '  Guilder  Rose,'  in  purity  of  color,  and  far 
eclipses  them  in  size  and  beauty.  Each  blossom  is  more  than 
an  inch  across,  and  the  clusters  measure  eight  or  ten  inches  in 
diameter.  The  leaves  are  regularly  oval,  with  short  petioles, 
and  about  three  inches  long.  It  flourishes,  in  the  open  border, 
in  the  same  soil  as  the  common  Snowball ;  and  M.  Van 
Houtte  considers  it  one  of  the  most  beautiful  additions  to  the 
shrubbery."  —  [Doioning.) 


WEIGELA. 


W'Agela  rosea.  —  The  Rose-colored  Weigela.  —  This  is  an- 
other new  shrub,  introduced  by  Mr.  Fortune  into  England  from 
China,  first  noticed  hereby  Downing. 

"  When  I  first  discovered  tins  beautiful  plant,"  says  Mr.  For- 
26=^ 


306  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

tune,  "  it  was  growing  in  a  Mandarin's  garden,  on  the  island 
of  Chusan,  and  literally  loaded  with  its  fine  rose-colored 
flowers,  which  hung  in  graceful  bunches  from  the  axils  of  the 
leaves,  and  the  ends  of  the  branches.  Every  one  saw  and  ad- 
mired the  beautiful  Weigela.  1  immediately  marked  it  as  one 
of  the  finest  plants  of  Northern  China,  and  determined  to  send 
plants  of  it  home  in  every  ship,  until  I  should  hear  of  its  safe 
arrival.  It  forms  a  neat  bush,  not  unlike  a  Syringa  (Philadel- 
phus)'va  habit,  deciduous  in  winter,  and  flowering  in  the  months 
of  April  and  May.  One  great  recommendation  to  it  is,  that  it 
is  a  plant  of  the  easiest  cultivation.  Cuttings  strike  readily 
any  time  during  the  winter  and  spring  months,  with  ordinary 
attention,  and  the  plant  itself  grows  well  in  any  good  garden 
soil.  It  should  be  grown  in  this  country  as  it  is  in  China,  not 
tied  up  in  that  formal,  unnatural  way  in  which  Ave  see  plants 
brought  to  our  exhibitions;  but  a  main  stem  or  two  chosen  for 
leaders,  which,  in  their  turn,  throw  out  branches  from  their 
sides,  and  then,  when  the  plant  comes  into  bloom,  the  branches, 
which  are  loaded  with  beautiful  flowers,  hang  down  in  grace- 
ful and  natural  festoons." 


WISTARIA. 

Wistaria.  —  This  genus  was  formerly  included  in  that  of 
Glycine,  but  has  been  separated  from  it,  and  named  by  Nuttall 
in  honor  of  Dr.  Caspar  Wistar. 

Wistaria  Sinensis.  —  The  Chinese  Wistaria.  —  This  is  one 
of  the  most  magnificent  climbing  shrubby  plants  in  cultivation. 
It  was  formerly  treated,  at  the  Novth,  as  a  tender  plant,  and 
might  be  seen  trained  to  the  rafters  of  the  green-house,  in  full 
flower,  in  March,  with  its  thousands  of  rich  clusters,  or  pen- 
dulous racemes  of  delicate  pale-purple  blossoms,  so  numerous 
that  the  whole  space  it  occupied  seemed  to  be  covered  with 
them.  Each  raceme  is  from  ten  to  twelve  inches  long,  and 
densely  filled  with  its  delicate  and  richly  perfumed  flowers.  It 
is  easily  raised  from  cuttings,  or  layers.     In  the  open  ground, 


WISTARIA.  307 

we  have  known  it  to  make  a  growth  of  twenty-two  feet  in  one 
season ;  and,  with  us,  has  not  failed,  excepting  one  year  in  the 
last  twelve,  to  produce  an  abundant  bloom,  and  that  without 
the  least  protection.  The  December  previous  to  the  year  in 
which  it  did  not  bloom  was  a  very  warm  one.  The  buds  pre- 
maturely started,  and  were  winter-killed ;  it,  however,  flow- 
ered in  August,  but  not  so  perfectly  as  it  should  have  done  in 
the  spring.  The  flowers  make  their  appearance  before  the 
foliage  starts,  the  last  of  May,  in  the  open  ground.  The  foliage 
is  abundant,  and  its  color  is  a  lively,  pleasant  hue  of  green. 
The  plants  for  the  few  first  years  are  somewhat  tender,  at  the 
North,  and  should  be  laid  down  before  winter  sets  in,  and  cov- 
ered with  earth,  or  coarse  manure.  It  grows  freely  in  almost 
any  soil ;  but  to  have  strong  plants,  it  is  important  to  have  a 
rich,  deep  loam.     It  will  not  flower  till  the  plants  get  strong. 

A  new  variety,  with  white  flowers,  was  brought  to  England 
from  China,  by  Mr.  Fortune.  In  planting  out  young  vines, 
they  should  be  cut  down  to  a  single  bud. 

My  plants  generally  produce  scattering  clusters  of  flowers, 
during  the  last  summer  months,  but  are  not  equal  to  the  clusters 
produced  in  the  spring.  They  are  planted  against  a  bank  wall, 
on  the  south  side,  and  run  in  and  out  of  it  at  pleasure,  sending 
out  long  branches  in  every  direction,  making  free  with  all  the 
trees  in  the  neighborhood,  and  running  at  random  in  a  strange 
manner.  The  wood  needs  shortening  in  February,  or  perhaps 
it  would  be  better  to  prune  in  December. 


DESCRIPTIVE  LIST  OF  EVEKGREEN  TREES,  SUITABLE  EOR  THE 
SHRUBBERY,  LAWN,  OR  PROTECTIVE  BELT  FOR  BUILDINGS, 
GARDENS,  ORCHARDS,  &C. 


The  value  and  importance  of  protection  afforded  to  build- 
ings, gardens,  and  orchards,  by  a  belt  of  evergreen  trees,  in  a 
climate  like  New  England,  are  but  little  appreciated  or  under- 
stood even  by  our  most  intelligent  amateurs  and  horticulturists. 
To  say  nothing  of  the  pleasing  and  grateful  appearance  of  such 
a  plantation,  well  arranged,  to  a  person  of  taste,  at  a  season  of 
the  year  when,  without  evergreens,  everything  out  of  doors  looks 
drear  and  cheerless,  as  a  subject  of  real  comfort  and  utility,  it 
is  one  which  deserves  the  serious  consideration  of  every  one 
who  desires  good  fruit,  rare  flowers,  or  comfortable  quarters. 
An  evergreen  hedge,  or,  what  is  better,  a  belt  of  evergreen 
trees,  excludes  the  cold,  searching  winds,  and  enables  the  hor- 
ticulturist to  bring  to  perfection  many  fruits  and  flowers  that 
would  not,  without  such  protection,  be  enjoyed.  Let  it  be 
tried,  and  there  will  be  found  a  material  difference  in  the  range 
of  thermometers  placed  on  both  sides  of  such  a  belt.  As  a 
matter  of  taste,  no  one  will  deny  that  a  variety  of  evergreens, 
judiciously  planted,  adds  much  to  the  ornament  and  beauty  of 
a  country  residence.  Where  there  is  to  be  any  pretension  to  a 
shrubbery,  a  backing  of  evergreen  trees  is  indispensable.  The 
intermingling  of  the  many  deciduous  shrubs,  bearing  ornamen- 
tal, persistent  berries,  with  the  diversified  growth  and  varied 
colors  of  the  wood,  gives,  even  in  winter,  a  cheerful  and  pleas- 
ant aspect  to  the  pleasure-grounds  ;  and,  in  summer,  v/hen  the 
shrubs  and  trees  are  clothed  in  their  magnificent  apparel, 
adorned  with  their  gorgeous  flowers,  the  back-ground  of  hem- 
lock, fir,  spruce  or  pine,  makes  a  fine  contrast,  and  gives  addi- 
tional beauty  to  the  various  forms,  colors,  and  shades,  of  the 
foliage  and  flowers  of  the  deciduous  plants  and  trees. 


EVERGREEN    TREES. 


309 


To  understand  to  perfection  the  most  harmonious  arrange- 
ment of  evergreen  trees,  a  person  should  travel  a  few  days  in 
some  parts  of  the  State  of  Maine,  the  home  of  a  large  portion 
of  this  beautiful  tribe.  Let  him  study,  for  a  w^hile,  the  ex- 
quisite groups  and  combinations  of  the  various  species,  as  he 
finds  them  carelessly  and  naturally  arranged  in  their  native 
habitats,  and  he  need  not  study  books,  or  consult  the  landscape 
gardener,  to  be  informed  of  the  best  style  of  planting  his  ever- 
greens, and  other  shrubs  or  trees.  He  will  find  Nature  the 
best  teacher. 

There  is  no  greater  departure  from  correct  taste,  than  to 
plant  the  fir,  or  other  evergreens  of  that  habit,  singly,  or  in 
regular  rows.  The  hemlock,  Norway  spruce,  and  others, 
may  sometimes  be  planted  singly  on  the  lawn  ;  but,  as  a  gen- 
eral rule,  most  of  the  evergreens  should  be  planted  in  groups, 
or  belts,  varied  with  the  different  sorts.  Evergreens  seem  to 
be  social  in  their  habits,  if  we  may  so  speak ;  they  seem  to 
flourish  best  when  grown  together.  Some  of  the  evergreen 
trees,  planted  in  the  solitary  style,  soon  lose  their  lower  limbs, 
become  ragged  and  unsightly,  —  a  nuisance  and  an  eye-sore  to 
those  Avho  are  compelled  to  see  them  from  day  to  day.  Natu- 
rally, from  cold  latitudes,  they  require  the  protection  and  shel- 
ter of  each  other,  to  screen  their  roots  from  the  powerful  action 
of  the  summer's  sun.  When  grouped  together,  and  the  lower 
branches  encouraged  to  grow  to  the  ground,  they  receive  this 
protection,  and  will  give  ample  satisfaction  to  those  who  adopt 
this  style  of  planting. 

Our  own  country  affords  all  the  variety  needful  to  make  an 
elegant  shrubbery,  a  warm  belt,  or  protective  hedge.  But 
there  are  many  evergreens,  of  foreign  growth,  that  are  desira- 
ble, to  give  additional  variety  and  charm  to  a  collection  of  our 
own  trees.  Some  of  them,  as  yet,  are  of  doubtful  hardiness  ; 
but,  under  the  lee  of  our  beautiful  hemlocks,  spruces,  or  pines, 
they  will  be  placed  in  the  most  favorable  circumstances  for  suc- 
cessful trial ;  and  not  only  these,  but  the  magnolias,  rhododen- 


310  ereck's  book  of  flowers. 

drons,  and  other  equally  difficult  trees  and  shrubs  to  manage 
in  a  northern  climate,  will,  if  anywhere,  succeed. 

Mr.  Downing  says  :  "  Well-grown  belts  of  evergreens,  pines, 
and  furs,  which, 

'  in  conic  forms  arise, 


And  with  a  pointed  spear  divide  the  skies,' 

have,  in  their  congregated  strength,  a  power  of  shelter  and  pro- 
tection that  no  inexperienced  person  can  possibly  understand, 
without  actual  experience  and  the  evidence  of  his  own  senses. 
Many  a  place,  almost  uninhabitable  from  the  rude  blasts  of 
wind  that  sweep  over  it,  has  been  rendered  comparatively  calm 
and  sheltered.  Many  a  garden,  so  exposed  that  the  cultivation 
of  tender  trees  and  plants  was  almost  impossible,  has  been  ren- 
dered mild  and  genial  in  its  climate,  by  the  growth  of  a  close 
shelter,  composed  of  masses  and  groups  of  Evergreen  Trees." 

Most  of  the  northern  Evergreen  Trees  are  enumerated  and 
described  by  Mr.  Emerson,  in  his  excellent  work  on  "  The 
Trees  and  Shrubs  of  Massachusetts,"  to  which  we  would  refer 
our  readers  for  many  interesting  details  and  particulars,  and 
from  which  we  have  made  manjr  extracts. 

He  says  :  "  The  pines,  firs,  junipers,  cypresses,  larches, 
hemlock,  and  yews,  with  some  foreign  trees,  form  a  very  distinct 
and  natural  group.  The  name  Evergreen,  by  which  they  are 
commonly  known,  is  liable  to  the  exception,  that  one  of  the 
genera  found  in  this  climate,  the  Larch,  loses  its  leaves  in  win- 
ter.    The  Evergreens  are  divided  into  three  sections  :  — 

"  1st.  Those  whose  fruit  is  a  true  cone,  with  numerous  im- 
bricate scales,  like  the  fir  and  pine. 

"  2d.  Those  with  a  globular,  compound  fruit,  like  the  cypress 
and  arbor  vitce. 

"3d.  Those  with  a  globular,  compound  fruit,  like  the  yew." 


311 


PINUS. 

Tlie  Pine  Family. 

In  this  genus,  Pinus,  are  the  White,  Pitch,  and  Norway 
Pines,  familiar  to  all. 

Pimcs  sylvestris,  —  or  Scotch  Pine,  —  is  found  in  the  British 
Islands.  There  is  a  specimen  of  this  tree  at  the  Botanic  Gar- 
den, Cambridge.  It  has  some  resemblance  to  Pitch  Pine, 
[Pinus  rigida,)  but  has  more  claim  to  beauty,  of  which  the 
other  has  none,  or  very  little.  The  Scotch  Pine,  or  Fir,  as  it 
is  called,  differs  from  the  Pitch  Pine,  in  having  its  leaves  in 
twos,  instead  of  threes.  Their  color,  also,  is  of  a  more  glaucous 
green,  and,  if  we  remember  right,  they  are  also  longer  than  the 
Pitch  Pine.  The  Pitch  Pine  is  so  often  seen  in  barren,  sterile 
soils,  that  barrenness  seems  to  be  associated  with  it ;  and,  as  it 
has  no  claim  to  elegance,  we  should  not  recommend  this,  only 
for  the  sake  of  variety,  and  this  in  the  back-ground.  A  few  trees 
of  the  Scotch  Pine  may  also  be  admissible,  for  the  same  rea- 
son, in  large  plantations. 

P.  reshiosus.  —  Red  or  Norway  Pine.  —  This  tree  is  more 
ample  in  its  dimensions,  growing  from  fifty  to  one  hundred  feet 
high,  in  Maine.  In  this  State  it  is  not  very  common.  The 
leaves  are  in  twos,  and  much  longer  than  on  the  Pitch  Pine. 
We  should  not  recommend  this  species  only  where  there  are 
extensive  grounds  to  decorate. 

P.  strobus.  —  The  White  Pine.  —  This  tree  is  familiar  to 
all,  growing  to  a  stately  size  in  the  most  favorable  locations, 
having  been  known  to  attain  the  height  of  264  feet,  in  Lancas- 
ter, N.  H.,  by  actual  measurement,  according  to  reliable  infor- 
mation given  to  Mr.  Emerson  by  Dr.  Dwight ;  and  that  they 
were  frequently  found  250  feet  in  height  and  six  feet  in  diame- 
ter. This  is  about  equal  to  the  California  trees,  of  which  we 
have  accounts.  The  White  Pine  is  known  by  its  leaves  being 
in  fives.  The  character  of  this  genus  is  in  having  their  leaves 
in  a  sheath  of  two,  three,  or  five  together.     "For  ornamental 


312  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

purposes,  of  all  the  well-known  Pines,"  says  Mr.  Downing, 
"  we  give  the  preference  to  our  native  White  Pine.  The  soft, 
agreeable  hue  of  its  pliant  foliage,  the  excellent  form  of  the 
tree,  and  its  adaptation  to  a  great  variety  of  soils  and  sites,  are 
all  recommendations  not  easily  overlooked.  Besides,  it  bears 
transplanting  well;  and  is,  on  this  account,  also,  more  gener- 
ally seen  than  any  other  species  in  our  ornamental  plantations. 
But  its  especial  merit,  as  an  ornamental  tree,  is  the  perpetually 
fine,  rich,  lively  green  of  its  foliage.  In  the  Northern  States, 
many  evergreens  lose  their  bright  color  in  midwinter,  owing  to 
the  severity  of  the  cold ;  and,  though  they  regain  it  quickly  in 
the  first  mild  days  of  spring,  yet  this  temporary  dinginess,  at 
the  season  when  verdure  is  rarest  and  most  prized,  is,  undenia- 
bly, a  great  defect.  Both  the  Hemlock  and  the  White  Pine  are 
exceptions.  Even  in  the  greatest  depression  of  the  thermom- 
eter known  to  our  neighbors  on  the  '  disputed  boundary ' 
line,  vi^e  believe  the  verdure  of  these  trees  is  the  same  fine, 
unchanging  green.  Again,  this  thin  summer  growth  is  of  such 
a  soft  and  lively  color,  that  they  are  (unlike  some  of  the  other 
Pines,  the  Red  Cedar,  &c.,)  as  pleasant  to  look  upon,  even  in 
June,  as  any  fresh  and  full-foliaged  and  deciduous  tree,  rejoic- 
ing in  all  its  full  breadth  of  new  summer  robes.  We,  there- 
fore, place  the  White  Pine  among  the  first  in  the  regards  of 
the  ornamental  planter."  To  this  opinion  we  give  our  cordial 
assent. 

P.  pinaster  "  is  a  native  of  the  South  of  Europe,  much  culti- 
vated in  England  as  an  ornamental  tree."  Of  this  species  we 
have  no  acquaintance,  any  more  than  we  have  with  P.  iMm- 
hertiana,  P.  Sabinia7ia,  P.  ponderosa.,  and  others,  natives  of 
California  and  other  parts  of  the  North-vi'est  Coast,  which,  no 
doubt,  will  prove  hardy  here,  and  be  a  great  acquisition  to  our 
collection  of  Pines ;  but,  as  yet,  they  have  not  appeared 
amongst  us,  with  the  exception  of  a  few  small  specimens  raised 
from  seed,  in  possession  of  curious  amateurs  in  such  matters. 

P.  Austrica.  —  "  The  Austrian  Pine,"  Downing  says,  "  for 
a  rapid-growing,  bold,  picturesque  evergreen,  is  well  deserving 


ABIES.  313 

attention.  We  find  it  remarkably  hardy,  adapting  itself  to  all 
soils,  (though  said  to  grow  naturally  in  Austria,  on  the  lightest 
sands.)  A  specimen  here,  grew  nearly  three  feet  last  season  ; 
and  its  bold,  stiff  foliage,  is  sufficiently  marked  to  arrest  the 
attention  among  all  other  evergreens."  The  same  gentleman 
says  of  the  Pinus  cembra,  the  Swiss  Stone  Pine  :  "  We  find  it 
perfectly  hardy  in  this  latitude.  This  tree  produces  an  eatable 
kernel,  and,  though  of  comparatively  slow  growth,  is  certainly 
one  of  the  most  interesting  of  the  Pine  family." 


ABIES. 
The  Spruce. 

According  to  Emerson,  "  Three  species  are  found  in  Massa- 
chusetts :  — 

"  1st.  The  Hemlock  has  small,  pointed,  pendulous,  terminal 
cones,  and  thin,  flat  leaves. 

"2d.  The  Black  Spruce  has  dependent,  egg-shaped  cones, 
with  scales  waved  and  jagged  at  the  edge. 

"  3d,  The  White  Spruce  has  longer  cones,  also  dependent 
and  spindle-shaped,  with  scales  smooth  and  entire  at  the  edge. 

"  Both  have  four-angled,  awl-shaped  leaves." 

The  Norway  Spruce,  now  becoming  well  known  as  a  hardy, 
ornamental  evergreen,  is  finer  than  either  the  Black  or  White 
Spruce,  and  is  distinguished  from  them  by  its  much  longer 
cylindrical  cones,  thick  foliage,  and  drooping  branches. 

Abies  Canadensis.  —  The  Hemlock.  —  This  elegant  tree,  for 
some  reason,  has  not  been  introduced  into  our  pleasure-grounds 
to  any  great  extent ;  for  what  reason,  we  know  not.  We  have 
seen  it,  in  great  magnificence,  in  the  grounds  of  Mr.  J.  S.  C. 
Green,  of  Waltham,  grown  upon  a  lawn,  singly,  and  intermin- 
gled with  other  trees.  We  remarked  to  the  gardener,  that  these 
were  the  finest  specimens  we  had  ever  seen,  except  in  its  na- 
tive haunts,  and  said  that  it  was  supposed  to  be  an  exceedingly 
difficult  tree  to  transplant.  He  replied,  this  was  not  the  case, 
27 


314  bkeck's  book  of  flowers. 

—  that  it  was  no  more  uncertain  with  this  than  with  other 
evergreens;  and  pointed  to  a  tree,  thirty  or  forty  feet  high, 
clothed  with  branches  to  the  ground,  which,  he  said,  he  trans- 
planted from  another  part  of  the  ground  to  where  it  now  stood, 
but  a  few  years  since,  it  being  then  six  inches  in  diameter.  It 
was  taken  up  so  carefully  that  the  growth  was  hardly  checked. 
The  great  trouble  with  this,  as  with  all  evera:reens  when 
taken  from  the  woods,  is,  that  it  is  difficult  to  save  all  the  roots. 
They  are  then  often  exposed  to  the  sun  and  air,  which,  to  an 
evergreen,  is  more  hazardous  to  its  prosperity,  than  it  would  be 
to  a  deciduous  tree.  The  change  of  soil  and  location,  to  the 
tree,  with  only  a  portion  of  its  roots,  which,  with  the  exposure, 
and,  perhaps,  too  deep  planting,  proves  to  be  death  to  the  tree. 
For  this  reason,  trees  grown  in  a  nursery  are  more  sure  to  live 
than  those  taken  from  the  forests  ;  having  been  transplanted 
into  rows  and  root-pruned,  their  roots  are  in  small  compass, 
and,  as  they  are  generally  taken  up  with  a  ball  of  earth,  they 
are  almost  sure  to  live.  We  hope  to  see  the  Hemlock  more 
extensively  cultivated  in  our  nurseries. 

"  The  Hemlock  Spruce,  or  Hemlock,  as,  throughout  New 
England,  it  is  universally  called,  is  the  most  beautiful  tree  of 
the  family.  It  is  distinguished  from  all  the  other  Pines  by  the 
softness  and  delicacy  of  its  tufted  foliage ;  from  the  Spruce,  by 
its  slender,  tapering  branches,  and  the  smoothness  of  its  limbs  ; 
and  from  the  Balsam  Fir,  by  its  small  terminal  cones,  by  the 
irregularity  of  its  branches,  and  the  gracefulness  of  its  whole 
appearance. 

"  The  young  trees,  by  their  numerous  irregular  branches, 
clothed  with  foliage  of  a  delicate  green,  form  a  rich  mass  of 
verdure  ;  and  when,  in  the  beginning  of  summer,  each  twig  is 
terminated  with  a  tuft  of  yellowish-green  recent  leaves,  surmount- 
ing the  darker-green  of  the  former  year,  the  effect,  as  an  object 
of  beauty,  is  equalled  by  very  few  flowering  shrubs,  and  far 
surpasses  that  produced  by  any  other  tree. 

"  The  Hemlock  is  said,  by  Parsh,  to  extend  to  the  most  northern 
regions   in  Canada,  and  was  found  by  Mr.  Menzies  in  North- 


ABIES    NIGRA.  315 

west  America.  It  is  found  in  every  part  of  this  State,  on 
almost  every  variety  of  soil.  It  flourishes  in  the  ruins  of 
granitic  rocks,  on  the  sides  of  hills  exposed  to  the  violence  of 
storms.  As  it  bears  pruning  to  almost  any  degree,  without  suf- 
fering injury,  it  is  well  fitted  to  form  screens  for  the  protection 
of  more  tender  trees  and  plants,  or  for  concealing  disagreeable 
objects.  By  being  planted  in  double  or  triple  rows,  it  may,  in 
a  few  years,  be  made  to  assume  the  appearance  of  an  impene- 
trable evergreen-wall,  —  really  impenetrable  to  the  wind  and  to 
domestic  animals.  A  hedge  of  this  kind,  seven  or  eight  feet 
high,  on  a  bleak,  barren  plain,  exposed  to  the  north-west  winds, 
gave  Dr.  Greene,  of  Mansfield,  a  warm,  sunny,  sheltered  spot 
for  the  cultivation  of  delicate  annual  plants.  When  I  saw  it, 
the  annuals,  several  of  which  were  rare  exotics,  were  beautiful, 
but  the  Hemlock  screen  much  more  so." —  {Emerso?i.) 

The  Hemlock  is  of  slow  growth  till  it  gets  well  established; 
it  then  makes  rapid  progress,  and  finally  becomes  a  large  tree. 
The  Hemlock  should  never  be  planted  without  some  other  tree 
to  nurse  or  protect  it.  If  designed  for  a  single  tree  for  the  lawn, 
or  in  any  other  exposed  situation,  others  of  its  kind  should  be 
planted  to  shade  and  shelter  it,  which  may  be  taken  away  as 
soon  as  the  tree  becomes  well  rooted. 


ABIES    NIGRA. 
The  Black  Spruce. 

"  The  Black  and  the  White  Spruce  are  commonly  called  the 
Double  and  Single  Spruce.  The  Double  is  distinguished  from 
the  Single  Spruce,  by  the  darker  color  of  the  foliage,  whence 
its  name  of  Black  Spruce,  by  the  greater  thickness  in  propor- 
tion to  the  length  of  the  cones,  and  by  the  looseness  of  the 
scales,  which  are  jagged,  or  toothed,  on  the  edge. 

"  When  the  tree  stands  by  itself,  in  a  sheltered  situation 
favorable  to  its  growth,  the  stages,  or  whorls,  (of  its  branches) 
are  regularly  disposed,  and,  diminishing  gradually  in  length 


316  breck's  book  of  flowees. 

from  the  ground  to  the  top,  form  a  conical  head  of  strikingly  reg- 
ular and  symmetrical  proportions.  To  the  unpractised  eye  this 
mathematical  exactness  of  shape  is  beautiful ;  and  the  Spruce 
is  a  favorite  tree,  and  is  often  placed  in  the  near  vicinity  of 
houses.  But  to  one,  studious  of  variety  and  picturesque  effect, 
the  regular  cone  becomes  stiff  and  monotonous,  and  the  unva- 
rying dark-green  of  the  foliage  has  a  sombre  and  melancholy 
aspect.  The  leaves  are  dark-green,  tw^o  or  three  fifths  of  an 
inch  long."  —  [Emerson.) 

Abies  alba. —  The  Single  or  White  Spruce.  —  The  same 
author  as  above  describes  the  White  Spruce  "  as  a  more  slender 
and  tapering  tree  of  the  swamps,  marked  by  the  light  color  of 
the  bark  and  lighter  green  of  the  leaves.  It  rarely  rises  to  the 
height  of  forty  or  fifty  feet.  It  is  perfectly  straight,  with  nu- 
merous, somewhat  irregularly  scattered,  branches,  forming  a 
head  of  the  same  shape  as  that  of  the  Double  Spruce,  but  less 
broad,  and  with  foliage  of  a  less  gloomy  color;  whence  its 
name.  The  leaves  are  of  a  light  bluish-green,  in  spirals 
rather  closely  set,  and  equally  on  all  sides  of  the  shoot."  We 
found  this  species  growing  on  the  top  of  a  mountain  in  Maine, 
near  Penobscot  River.  The  whole  mountain-top  was  inter- 
spersed with  groups  of  the  most  perfect-shaped  Spruces  of  this 
description  that  could  be  imagined.  They  were  not  more  than 
twenty  or  thirty  feet  high,  crowded  with  branches  from  the 
ground  to  the  top,  forming  perfect  pyramids  of  evergreen,  so 
thick  that  it  seemed  a  fit  retreat  for  any  wild  animal,  or  bird, 
that  might  seek  shelter  among  its  profuse  foliage.  The  lower 
branches,  reclined  upon  the  ground,  are  so  spreading,  that  the 
base  of  the  pyramid  appeared  to  be  nearly  the  same  width  as  the 
height  of  the  tree.  A  few  groups  of  this  description  would  be 
magnificent  decorations  to  the  pleasure-ground.  But  such 
beautiful  specimens  could  hardly  be  expected,  even  in  this  cli- 
mate, so  far  out  of  its  natural  haunts,  or  latitude,  where  it  is 
found  in  its  highest  perfection. 

A.    communis.  —  Norway    Spruce.  —  This,    as    we    have 
already  remarked,  is  finer  than   either  the    Black  or  White 


ABIES.  317 

Spruce.  Loudon  says  :  "It  is  of  the  tallest  of  European  Firs, 
with  a  very  straight,  but  not  thick,  trunk.  It  is  a  native  of  the 
north  of  Germany  and  Russia,  and  particularly  abundant  in 
Norway.  The  tree  is  peculiarly  valuable  as  a  nurse,  from  being- 
evergreen  and  closely  covered  with  branches,  by  which  radi- 
ated heat  is  retained ;  from  its  conical  shape  and  rigid  stem, 
by  which  it  does  not  sufibcate  or  whip  the  adjoining  trees ; 
from  its  being  valuable  at  whatever  age  it  is  thinned  out ;  and 
from  its  being  an  excellent  shelter  for  the  most  valuable  game. 
It  is  also  an  excellent  hedge  plant  or  shelter."  Mr.  Downing, 
in  speaking  of  it,  says  :  "  In  fact,  it  is  so  useful  and  valuable  a 
tree,  that  it  is  destined  to  become  much  more  popular  still.  So 
hardy,  that  it  is  used  as  a  nurse  plant,  to  break  off  the  wind  in 
exposed  sites,  and  shelter  more  tender  trees  in  young  planta- 
tions ;  so  readily  adapting  itself  to  any  site,  that  it  thrives  upon 
all  soils,  from  light  sand  and  dry  gravel,  to  deep,  moist  loam  or 
clay ;  so  accommodating  in  its  habits,  that  it  will  grow  under 
the  shade  of  other  trees,  or  in  the  most  exposed  positions.  There 
is  no  planter  of  new  places,  or  improver  of  old  ones,  who  will 
not  find  it  necessary  to  call  it  in  for  his  assistance.  Then, 
again,  the  variety  of  purposes  for  which  the  trees  may  be  used, 
is  so  indefinite.  Certainly  there  are  few  trees  more  strikingly 
picturesque  than  a  fine  Norway  Spruce,  forty  or  fifty  years 
old,  towering  up  from  a  base  of  thick  branches,  which  droop  and 
fall  to  the  very  lawn,  and  hang  off  in  those  depending  curves, 
which  make  it  such  a  favorite  with  the  artist." 

"  Abies  pulcherrima  of  Virgil.  —  The  European  Silver  Fir. 
—  Similar  and  superior  to  the  Balsam  Fir,  and  which  grows 
to  the  height  of  one  hundred  or  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet,  and 
even  more;  grows  with  great  vigor  in  our  gardens  and  nur- 
series, and  wherever  else  it  has  been  tried.  It  is  an  inhabitant 
of  the  mountains  of  the  South  of  Europe. 

"  But  still  more  remarkable  and  desirable  trees  of  this  genus 

are  found  on  the  western  side  of  the  continent.     Such  is  the 

tree  called  Douglass'  Spruce  Fir,  Abies  JDotiglassii,  from  the 

name  of  the  person  who  introduced   it  into  England.     In  its 

27* 


318  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

native  forests  it  varies  from  one  hundred  to  tvi^o  hundred  and 
eighty  feet  in  height ;  and  a  stump  is  mentioned  as  still  found 
on  the  Columbia  River,  which  measures  forty-eight  feet  in  cir- 
cumference at  three  feet  from  the  ground,  exclusive  of  its  very 
thick  bark."  —  [Emerson.) 


PICEA. 

The  Fir. 

The  Fir  tribe  are  suitable  for  ornamenting  the  shrubbery  or 
lawn,  when  planted  in  groups,  but  not  proper  for  single  speci- 
mens. "  They  are  remarkable  for  the  regularity  and  symme- 
try of  their  pyramidal  heads.  The  leaves  are  solitary,  needle- 
shaped,  rigid,  sempervirent,  supposed  by  botanists  formed  of 
two,  grown  together.  They  are  distinguished  from  the  other 
Pines  by  the  smoothness  of  their  bark,  in  which  are  formed 
cavities  or  crypts,  containing  their  peculiar  balsam ;  by  the  sil- 
very whiteness  of  the  under  surface  of  the  seemingly  two- 
rowed  leaves,  and  by  their  long,  erect  cones,  formed  of  woody 
deciduous  scales,  with  a  smooth,  thin  edge. 

'^Picea  balsamifera.  —  The  Balsam  Fir.  —  This  beautiful 
evergreen  resembles  the  Spruce  in  its  regular  pyramidal  form. 
It  differs  from  it  in  its  bark,  which  is  smooth  when  young,  and 
continues  so  until  it  has  attained  a  considerable  age ;  in  its 
leaves,  which  are  nearly  flat,  and  of  a  beautiful  silver  color 
beneath ;  and  in  having  large,  upright  cones.  It  has  a  strong 
resemblance  to  the  Silver  Fir  of  Europe,  a  much  loftier  and 
nobler  tree.  The  American  tree  is  known  by  the  name  of  the 
Fir  Balsam,  or  Balsam  Fir,  or  simply  Fir."  "  It  is  hardy, 
easily  transplanted,  and  grows  rapidly  and  with  great  vigor,  and 
possesses  in  a  high  degree  the  most  important  qualities  of  the 
evergreens,  as  an  ornamental  tree,  —  a  regular  pyramidal  shape, 
and  rich,  deep-green  foliage.  The  large  cones,  with  which 
t!ie  upper  branches  are  often  loaded,  give  it  additional  beauty. 
Its  defects  are  its  stiffness,  and  the  ragged ness  which  it  assumes 
in  old  age,  which  comes  on  early,  as  it  is  a  short-lived  tree. 


LARTX.  319 

Its  chief  recommendations   are  its  hardiness,  and  quickness 
of  growth." — (Emerson.) 

P.  Fraseri.  —  The  Double  Balsam  Fir.  —  According  to  Em- 
erson, this  species  has  a  great  resemblance  to  the  Balsam 
Fir,  with  very  little  to  distinguish  them,  except  that,  in  the 
Double  Fir,  the  leaves  are  usually  more  crowded.  "  The  ma- 
ture cone  presents  a  ready  and  certain  distinction.  It  is  of 
about  half  the  length,  and  two  thirds  the  thickness,  of  the  com- 
mon Fir.  There  are,  also,  some  other  small  differences, 
which,  however,  are  not  sufficient,  in  the  eyes  of  the  common 
people,  to  make  two  distinct  species.  From  the  great  richness 
and  luxuriance  of  the  foliage,  the  Double  Balsam  is  a  very 
beautiful  tree,  and  its  leaves  diffuse  a  peculiarly  agreeable  res- 
inous odor."     It  is  a  smaller  tree  than  the  Balsam  Fir. 


LARIX. 

The  Hacmatack  —  Larch. 

The  Larch  is  not  an  evergreen,  but,  as  it  comes  under  the 
same  natural  division,  and  is  found  growing  in  company  with 
them,  we  shall  notice  it  here.  For  ornamental  purposes  the 
American  Larch  [Lariz  American)  is  much  inferior  to  the  Eu- 
ropean species,  [Larix  communis.) 

"  The  Larches  are  deciduous  trees,  of  cold  and  mountain- 
ous regions  of  both  continents.  They  are  distinguished  from 
the  other  Pines  by  their  leaves,  which  grow  many  together,  in 
bundles,  from  the  top  of  buds,  whose  scales  are  as  persistent 
as  the  leaves." 

They  grow  from  forty  to  eighty  feet  high.  The  European 
is  extensively  cultivated  in  England  and  Scotland  for  timber ; 
many  thousands  of  acres  of  poor,  waste  land  are  improved  to 
great  advantage  for  this  purpose. 

For  ornamental  purposes  the  Larch  is  important,  on  account 
of  its  rapid  growth,  beautiful  symmetrical  shape,  and  thick 
foliage,    which   is  of  an  agreeable   liglit  bluish-green.      The 


320  ereck's  book  of  flowers. 

foliage  differs  from  all  the  other  cone-bearing  trees,  by  the 
delicacy  of  its  texture ;  late  in  autumn  it  turns  to  a  soft, 
leather-yellow  color,  and,  in  the  first  days  of  November,  falls. 
The  Larch  is  in  foliage  very  early  in  the  spring,  and  forms  a 
rich  contrast  to  the  dark  evergreens.  The  lower  branches  of 
the  Larch  should  never  be  pruned  off;  as  the  great  beauty  of 
the  tree  consists  in  its  being  clothed  to  the  ground  with  its  rich 
foliage. 

There  is  a  variety,  called  the  Weeping  Larch,  {Laj-ix  pen- 
dida,)  which  is  still  more  beautiful  than  either  of  the  others. 
The  foliage  is  much  larger;  the  branches  somewhat  drooping. 

Lariz  cedrus.  —  Cedar  of  Lebanon.  —  This  magnificent 
evergreen  tree,  of  the  Larch  family,  is  reputed  to  be  a  little  ten- 
der in  New  England  ;  but,  planted  w^here  it  may  receive  pro- 
tection from  our  more  hardy  evergreen  trees,  we  have  no  doubt 
it  will  stand  without  any  difficulty,  after  it  has  become  well 
established.  In  the  Middle  and  Southern  States  there  is  no 
doubt  but  it  will  thrive  and  grow  for  centuries,  as  it  is  said  it 
does  in  its  native  country.  "  It  is  unquestionably  the  most 
celebrated  tree  of  the  genus,  and  not  less  remarkable  for  the 
irregular  grandeur  of  its  form.  The  general  character  of  its 
shoot,  even  when  the  tree  is  young,  is  singularly  bold  and  pic- 
turesque, and  quite  different  from  that  of  every  other  species  of 
the  tribe.  It  is  a  native  of  the  coldest  parts  of  the  mountains 
of  Libanus,  Amanus  and  Taurus  ;  but  it  is  now  to  be  found  in 
those  places  in  great  numbers.  The  great  use  of  the  cedar  is 
to  plant  singly  on  lawns,  or  in  the  margin  of  plantations,  where 
one  or  two  specimens  will  give  force  and  character  to  the  dull- 
est fron-t  of  round-headed  trees."  — [Loudon.) 

Mr.  Downing  says:  "The  most  remarkable  peculiarity  in 
the  Cedar  of  Lebanon  is  the  horizontal  disposition  of  its  wide- 
spreading  branches.  This  is  not  apparent  in  very  young  trees, 
bat  soon  becomes  so  as  they  begin  to  develop  large  heads. 
Though  in  altitude  this  tree  is  exceeded  by  some  of  the  pines 
lately  discovered  in  Oregon,  which  reach  truly  gigantic 
heights,  yet,  in  breadth  and  massiveness,  it  far  exceeds  all  ever 


LAKIX.  321 

green  trees,  and  when  old  and  finely  developed  on  every  side, 
is  not  equalled,  in  ornamental  point  of  view,  by  any  sylvan  tree 
of  temperate  regions.  Its  character  being  essentially  grand 
and  magnificent,  it  therefore  should  only  be  planted  where 
there  is  sufficient  room  for  its  development  on  every  side. 
Crowded  amongst  other  trees,  all  its  fine  breadth  and  massive- 
ness  is  lost,  and  it  is  drawn  up  with  a  narrow  head  like  any 
other  of  the  Pine  family.  But,  planted  in  the  midst  of  a  broad 
lawn,  it  will  eventually  form  a  sublime  object,  far  more  impres- 
sive and  magnificent  than  most  of  the  countiy  houses  which 
belong  to  the  private  life  of  a  republic. 

"  The  Cedar  of  Lebanon  grows  in  almost  any  soil,  from  the 
poorest  gravel  to  the  richest  loam.  It  has  been  remarked,  in 
England,  that  its  growth  is  most  rapid  in  localities  where, 
though  planted  in  a  good  dry  soil,  its  roots  can  reach  water, 
such  as  situations  near  the  margin  of  ponds  or  springs.  In 
general,  its  average  growth,  in  this  country,  in  favorable  soil, 
is  about  one  foot  in  a  year ;  and,  where  the  soil  is  very  deeply 
trenched  before  planting,  or  when  its  roots  are  not  stinted  in 
the  supply  of  moisture  during  the  summer,  it  frequently  ad- 
vances with  double  that  rapidity. 

"  Although  hardy  here,  we  understand  in  New  England 
it  requires  slight  protection  in  winter,  while  the  trees  are  quite 
small.  The  shelter  afforded  by  sticking  a  few  branches  of 
evergreen  in  the  ground  around  it,  will  fully  answer  the  purpose. 
Wherever  the  Isabella  Grape  matures  fully  in  the  open  air, 
it  may  be  successfully  cultivated.  The  cone  of  the  Cedar  of 
Lebanon  is  about  four  inches  long  and  beautifully  drawn. 

"  The  only  reason  why  this  grandest  and  most  interesting  of 
all  evergreen  trees,  which  may  be  grown  in  this  country  as 
easily  as  the  Hemlock,  wherever  the  peach  bears  well,  has  not 
already  been  extensively  planted,  is  owing  to  two  causes. 
First,  that  its  wants  and  adaptation  to  our  soil  and  climate  are 
not  generally  known  ;  and,  second,  that  it  has,  as  yet,  without 
any  sufficient  reason,  been  difficult  to  procure  it,  even  in  our 
largest  nurseries." 


322  -  beeck's  book  of  flowers. 


THE    CYPRESS    TRIBE. 

"  The  plants  which  belong  to  this  section  have  not  their 
fruit  in  a  true  cone,  but  in  a  globular  or  irregular  head,  consist- 
ing of  a  number  of  scales,  sometimes  united  into  a  sort  of 
berry.  The  section  includes  the  Arbor  Vitse,  the  Juniper,  the 
Red  and  White  Cedar,  the  Cypress  and  the  exotic  genus  Cal- 
listris.  Most  of  the  section  are  natives  of  warmer  climates. 
Those  which  belong  to  New  England  are  evergreen,  but 
scarcely  resinous.  They  may  be  propagated  by  layers  and 
cuttings,  but  more  readily  by  seeds,  which  generally  lie  in  the 
ground  a  year.    The  young  plants  are  to  be  treated  like  pines." 


ARBOR    VIT^. 
Cedar  —  Thuya. 

"  The  name  of  the  genus  is  derived  from  a  Greek  word,  sig- 
nifying ^o  sacrifice;  it  having  been  used,  from  the  agreeable  odor 
of  the  wood,  in  sacrificial  offerings." 

Thuya  occidentalis.  —  The  American  Arbor  Vitee.  —  This  is 
a  small  evergreen  tree,  growing  from  thirty  to  forty,  or  even 
fifty,  feet  in  height.  It  is  remarkable  for  its  graceful,  pyra- 
midal, spire-like  shape,  thickly  clothed  with  branches  from  the 
ground  to  the  apex.  "  The  leaves  are  evergreen,  arranged  in 
four  rows,  in  alternately  opposite  pairs,  completely  investing 
and  seeming  to  make  up  the  fan-like  branchlets.  They  are 
scale-like,  marked  with  a  projecting  gland  below  the  point, 
each  lower  pair  embracing  and  covering  the  base  of  the  pair 
above.  The  branchlets  which  they  cover  are  arranged  in  a 
single  plane,  as  if  they  were  parts  of  a  large,  compound,  flat, 
pinnate  leaf.  These  planes  are  various,  inclined  to  the  hori- 
zon, often  vertical,  and  form  the  striking  peculiarity  of  this  pic- 
turesque tree."  The  foliage  is  of  a  yellowish-green,  and  con- 
trasts finely  with  the  Fir  and  other  evergreens.     The  Arbor 


CTTPRESSTTS.  323 

V\tdd  forms  a  very  ornamental  hedge,  and  is  coming  very  much 
into  use,  for  protecting  gardens  from  the  cold,  for  which  pur- 
pose it  is  admirably  adapted.  As  a  fence  for  keeping  out 
cattle,  we  do  not  think  it  is  sufficient.  The  Arbor  Vitae  is  sure 
to  live  when  taken  from  nurseries;  but  as  they  are  frequently 
purchased  in  the  city,  in  crates,  from  Maine,  they  are  very  un- 
certain, probably  on  account  of  the  long  exposure  of  the  roots  to 
the  sun  and  air,  after  they  are  dug,  before  they  are  packed. 
These  young  plants  may  generally  be  had  in  Boston  for  about 
thirty  dollars  per  thousand.  Before  they  are  planted  out  to 
form  the  hedge,  they  should  be  grown  one  or  two  years  in  nur- 
sery rows.  With  the  greatest  care,  many  will  die.  When 
those  that  survive  have  become  firmly  established,  the  most 
vigorous  may  be  selected,  and,  having  the  ground  well  pre- 
pared, set  them  out  about  nine  inches  or  a  foot  distant  from 
each  other ;  if  they  are  taken  up,  and  set  out  carefully,  not  one 
in  a  hundred  will  fail ;  but  if  they  are  set  out  immediately 
upon  receiving  them,  probably  not  one  in  four  will  thrive.  The 
Arbor  Vitae  bears  pruning  well,  and  may  be  brought  into  any 
desired  shape,  and  a  single  row  will  form  an  almost  impene- 
trable screen. 


CUPRESSUS. 

Cedar,  or  Cypress. 

"  The  Cypresses,  to  which  this  genus  belongs,  are  low,  ever- 
green trees,  natives  of  Europe,  Asia,  and  North  America,  and 
remarkable  for  their  spiry  form,  and  the  closeness  of  grain, 
nnd  the  durability  of  their  wood.  They  have  roundish,  or 
polyhedral  cones,  called  galboles,  and  small,  imbricated,  scale- 
like, four-rowed  leaves.  By  the  ancients  the  cypress  was  con- 
sidered an  emblem  of  immortality  ;  with  the  moderns,  it  is  em- 
blematical of  sadness  and  mourning. 

'  Dark  tree  !  still  sad,  when  others'  grief  is  fled, 
The  only  constant  mourner  of  the  dead.'  —  Byron. 


324  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

"  Cupressus  thyoides.  —  The  White  Cedar.  —  This  is  always 
a  graceful  and  beautiful  tree.  Even  when  growing  in  its 
native  swamps,  hemmed  in  on  all  sides,  and  struggling  for 
existence,  the  top,  and  branches  too,  near  the  top,  will  be 
marked  by  a  characteristic  elegance  of  shape,  which  no  other 
of  the  family  possesses.  It  is  entirely  free  from  the  stiffness 
of  the  Pines',  and  to  the  spiry  top  of  the  Poplar,  and  the 
grace  of  the  Cypress,  it  unites  the  airy  lightness  of  the  Hem- 
lock. The  White  Cedar  connects  the  Arbor  Vitoe  with  the 
Cypresses.  It  has  the  characters  of  both ;  the  scale-like,  imbri- 
cate leaves  and  fan-shaped  branches  of  the  former,  and  the 
lofty,  port  and  globular,  or  many-sided,  fruit  of  the  latter."  — 
[Emerson.) 

We  are  not  aware  that  this  beautiful  native  tree  has  been 
cultivated  for  ornamental  purposes  ;  we  see  no  reason  why  it 
should  not.  It  may  be  easily  raised  from  seed,  which  require 
eighteen  months,  if  planted  in  autumn,  to  vegetate.  From  its 
dense  mass  of  thick  foliage,  it  will  make  a  fine  protecting 
screen,  whether  grown  as  a  hedge  or  as  a  belt  of  trees. 

Cupressus  semper  vir ens.  —  The  Common  Cypress  of  Europe. 
—  "  This  is  a  tall,  graceful,  plume-shaped  tree,  the  common  and 
suitable  ornament  for  burying  places  on  the  Levant ;  suc- 
ceeds in  the  open  air  in  various  parts  of  Britain,  and  would 
probably  succeed  in  sheltered  places  here." 


JUNIPERUS. 

The  Juniper. 

"  The  Junipers  are  evergreen  trees  or  shrubs,  found  in  all 
quarters  of  the  globe." 

Juniperus  Virginiana.  — The  Red  Cedar.  —  Savin.  —  This 
is  a  very  common  evergreen  tree,  of  low  growth,  found  in  great 
abundance  in  the  neighborhood  of  Boston,  with  rather  dark, 
sober-looking  foliage.  Although  so  common  and  monotonous  in 
its  appearance  on  the  rocky  shores  of  Massachusetts,  it  may  be 


JUNiPERxrs.  325 

introduced  with  good  effect  among  other  evergreen  trees.  We 
have  seen  an  impervious  hedge  made  of  it.  For  this  purpose  the 
plants  should  be  raised  from  the  seed,  which,  like  the  White  Ce- 
dar, will  require  eighteen  months  to  vegetate.  "  The  Red  Cedar 
is  distinguished  from  the  White  and  the  Arbor  Vitse,  —  the  only 
trees  which  it  resembles,  —  by  having  its  fruit  in  the  form  of  a 
berry,  and  its  leaves  exhibiting  but  slightly  a  tendency  to  arrange 
themselves  in  a  plane."  The  blue  berries,  that  are  sometimes 
produced  in  great  profusion,  add  much  to  the  interest  of  the 
tree,  when  they  are  ripe,  in  the  months  of  October  and  Novem- 
ber. The  Red  Cedar  assumes  various  shapes,  but  generally 
Gothic-like  in  style.  We  have  noticed  a  small  tree,  in  our 
neighborhood,  that  is  perfectly  plume-like  in  shape,  rising  up 
twelve  or  fifteen  feet,  with  a  base  of  only  about  three.  The 
Red  Cedar  is  very  valuable  for  posts,  its  wood  being  almost 
incorruptible.  They  are  generally  carefully  pruned  of  their 
lower  branches,  which  spoils  the  beauty  of  the  tree.  For  orna- 
ment, they  should  be  encouraged  to  throw  off  branches  from 
the  ground. 

J.  communis.  —  The  Common  Juniper.  —  This  is  a  prostrate 
evergreen  shrub,  troublesome  to  eradicate,  and  of  no  use  for 
ornament. 

Among  the  new  evergreen  trees  desirable  for  introduction, 
particularly  in  a  more  southern  region,  are  the  Deodara  Cedar, 
[Cedrus  deodar,)  and  the  Chilian  Pine,  {Araucaria  imbricata.) 
We  hope  they  may  also  succeed  in  this  region ;  they  certainly 
deserve  a  trial.  They  are  noticed  in  Downing's  Horticulturist, 
who  says  of  the  Deodar  Cedar  :  "  The  general  habit  of  this  tree, 
as  has  been  already  remarked,  is  that  of  the  Cedar  of  Lebanon, 
which  it  most  nearly  resembles.  Its  foliage,  however,  is  larger, 
of  a  lighter,  more  silvery  hue,  and  the  branches  have  more  of 
a  drooping  habit,  and  more  feathery  lightness,  than  the  Cedar 
of  Lebanon.  The  fact  that  it  grows  more  rapidly,  will  serve 
as  an  additional  recommendation  to  the  lover  of  fine  trees. 
This  is  still  a  very  rare  tree.  There  are  yet  no  specimens  in 
America  over  a  few  feet  in  height."  The  same  author  re- 
28 


326  breck's  bo(K  of  flowers. 

marks  :  "  South  of  New  York,  it  will  certainly  form  one  of  the 
most  beautiful  of  ornamental  trees;"  but  in  a  northern  latitude 
it  may  not  succeed  so  well.  Bishop  Heber  describes  it  "  as  the 
glory  of  the  Himalayas,  —  a  splendid  tree,  with  gigantic  arms, 
and  dark,  narrow  leaves." 

Araucaria  imbricata,  —  or  Chilian  Pine.  —  The  editor  of  the 
Horticulturist  is  of  opinion  that,  from  the  experience  of  a  num- 
ber of  seasons,  this  tree  will  prove  hardy  in  the  latitude  of  New 
York,  and  quotes  a  description  of  it  from  the  London  Horticul- 
tural Magazine  :  "  Leaves  generally  eight  together,  ovate 
lance-shaped,  thickened  at  the  base,  stifT,  straight,  with  persis- 
tent mucros ;  cones  globular  at  the  end  of  the  branches,  about 
the  size  of  a  man's  hand  ;  scales  beautifully  imbricated. 

"  A  remarkable  evergreen  tree,  of  magnificent  dimensions, 
almost  the  only  one  to  be  met  with  in  those  districts  where  it  is 
indigenous.  It  is  a  high  tree,  from  eighty  to  one  hundred  feet, 
with  a  trunk  like  a  pillar.  Standing  closely  together  in  the 
forest,  the  trees  are  generally  devoid  of  branches  to  the  height 
of  fifty  or  sixty  feet.  The  top  is  in  the  shape  of  a  depressed 
cone ;  the  side  branches  proceeding  from  the  trunk  in  a  hori- 
zontal direction,  and  ascending  lightly  at  the  tips.  Over  those 
branches  the  leaves  are  thickly  set,  like  scales,  which  give  an 
appearance  of  richly-embossed  work.  From  the  thick  coating 
of  leaves  which  pervades  the  whole  outlines  of  the  tree,  an 
idea  of  some  brittleness  is  conveyed  to  the  mind.  The  wood, 
however,  Avas  successfully  used  in  ship-building,  in  1780,  by 
Don  Francisco  Dendariarena."  "  This  plant  is  a  native  of 
Chili,  in  South  America.  The  tree  is  particularly  ornamental, 
and  no  plant  can  be  used  with  greater  effect  in  distinguishing 
particular  spots  of  country  appropriated  to  art.  It  should  be  on 
every  gentleman's  lawn.     It  is  both  elegant  and  unique." 


A  DESCKIPTION  OF  SOME  OF  THE  INSECTS  THAT  AEE  INJU- 
RIOUS TO  THE  PLANTS  OF  THE  FLOWER-GARDEN. 


To  give  a  description  of  all  the  insects  that  infest  the  plants 
of  the  flower-garden,  it  would  be  necessary  to  write  a  volume, 
so  numerous  are  the  voracious  tribe  that  prey  upon  the  roots, 
stems,  foliage,  and  flowers  of  the  floral  kingdom.  The  depre- 
dation of  insects  is  one  of  the  greatest  offsets  to  the  pleas- 
ures of  the  garden.  To  nurse  some  favorite  plant,  watching 
over  it  from  day  to  day,  anticipating  its  opening  beauties,  and 
then,  just  as  one's  hopes  are  iipon  the  point  of  being  realized, 
to  see  the  plant  suddenly  smitten  with  some  mysterious  dis- 
ease, or  as  suddenly  destroyed  by  some  noxious  tribe  of  ver- 
min,—  perhaps  dying  in  a  night,  like  Jonah's  gourd,  —  who 
can  help  feeling  a  little  ruffled,  or  even  like  justifying  good  old 
Jonah,  who  thought  it  "  well  to  be  angry  for  his  gourd  ?  " 

The  knowledge  we  possess  of  the  habits  of  the  various  in- 
sects is  very  scanty.  We  are  indebted,  mainly,  to  that  excel- 
lent work,  "  A  Treatise  on  some  of  the  Insects  of  New  England, 
which  are  injurious  to  Vegetation,"  by  Dr.  T.  W.  Harris,  of 
Cambridge,  Mass.,  for  all  that  is  important  in  relation  to  them 
in  this  section  of  our  work.  Dr.  Harris'  Treatise  should  be 
accessible  to  every  one  who  has  anything  to  do  with  the  culti- 
vation of  the  farm  or  garden.  His  descriptions  are  so  plain, 
that  almost  any  person  may  get  all  the  desirable  information 
of  all  the  insects  of  which  he  treats.  It  is  said  by  competent 
persons,  that  this  Treatise  is  the  most  complete,  as  far  as  it 
goes,  of  any  work  in  the  English  language. 

Some  of  the  most  annoying  insects  of  the  flower-garden,  are 
the  Rose  Sawfly,  or  Rose  Slug,  and  the  Rose  Bug. 

Rose  Slug.  —  The  Rose  Slug  has,  within  a  few  years,  proved 
very  destructive   to  the   Rose,  in  the  vicinity  of  Boston,  and 


328  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

probably  in  other  parts  of  the  country  ;  so  much  so,  that  many 
persons  have  ahnost  abandoned  the  cultivation  of  this  most  de- 
sirable of  all  flowers.  A  few  years  since,  the  Massachusetts 
Horticultural  Society  offered  the  liberal  special  premium  of 
$100  for  an  efficient  remedy.  An  application  of  diluted  whale- 
oil  soap  was  discovered,  by  Mr.  David  Haggerston,  to  be  a  com- 
plete remedy,  when  seasonably  applied,  and  the  premium  was 
awarded  to  him.  We  shall  insert  his  communication  to  the 
Society,  in  which  he  details  the  mode  of  preparation  and  appli- 
cation. 

The  Rose  Slug,  if  not  checked  in  season,  destroys  the  foliage, 
and  the  plants  look  as  if  they  had  been  scorched  by  fire.  We 
have  known  delicate  growing  roses  killed  to  the  ground  by 
these  small,  but  destructive,  insects. 

One  great  objection  to  the  use  of  whale-oil  soap  is  the  disa- 
greeable odor  it  gives  to  the  plant,  which,  if  applied  at  the  time 
the  roses  are  iti  bloom,  spoils  them  entirely.  When  the  insect 
is  in  the  fly-state  they  may  be  found  in  great  numbers  on  the 
under  sides  of  the  leaves.  The  whale-oil  soap  will  destroy 
them  in  that  state,  if  it  is  applied  with  force,  as  with  a  syringe, 
or  garden  engine. 

If  the  application  is  made  in  season,  and  followed  up,  every 
two  or  three  days,  till  the  roses  begin  to  open  their  bads,  the 
slug  will  either  be  exterminated,  or  so  far  checked  as  to  pre- 
serve the  foliage  till  the  bloom  is  about  over,  when  a  new 
attack  must  be  made  upon  the  surviving  vermin,  which  by  this 
time  have  acquired  their  full  size.  It  takes  two  or  three  days 
to  rid  the  plants  of  the  disagreeable  odor,  after  the  application. 
We  give  Dr.  Harris'  description  of  the  insect  entire  :  — 

"  The  Saw-fly  of  the  rose,  which,  as  it  does  not  seem  to 
have  been  described  before,  may  be  called  Selandria  ros(e,  from 
its  favorite  plant,  so  nearly  resembles  the  slug-worm  saw-fly  as 
not  to  be  distinguished  therefrom,  except  by  a  practised  ob- 
server. It  is  also  very  much  like  Selandria  barda,  vitis,  and 
pygvicea,  but  has  not  the  red  thorax  of  these  three  closely 
allied  species.     It  is  of  a  deep  and  shining  black  color.     The 


INSECTS, 


9S9 


first  two  pairs  of  legs  are  brownish-gray,  or  dirty  white,  except 
the  thighs,  which  are  almost  entirely  black.  The  hind  legs 
are  black,  with  whitish  knees.  The  wings  are  smoky,  and 
transparent,  with  dark-brown  veins,  and  a  brown  spot  near  the 
middle  of  the  edge  of  the  first  pair.  The  body  of  the  male  is 
a  little  more  than  three  twentieths  of  an  inch  long,  that  of  the 
female  one  fifth  of  an  inch  or  more,  and  the  wings  expand 
nearly  or  quite  two  fifths  of  an  inch.  These  Saw-flies  come 
out  of  the  ground,  at  various  times,  between  the  twentieth  of 
May  and  the  middle  of  June,  during  which  period  they  pair 
and  lay  their  eggs.  The  females  do  not  fly  much,  and  may  be 
seen,  during  most  of  the  day,  resting  on  the  leaves  ;  and,  when 
touched,  they  draw  up  their  legs,  and  fall  to  the  ground.  The 
males  are  more  active,  fly  from  one  rose-bush  to  another,  and 
hover  around  their  sluggish  partners.  The  latter,  when  about 
to  lay  their  eggs,  turn  a  little  on  one  side,  unsheathe  their 
saws,  and  thrust  them  obliquely  into  the  skin  of  the  leaf,  depos- 
iting, in  each  incision  thus  made,  a  single  egg.  The  young 
begin  to  hatch  in  ten  days  or  a  fortnight  after  the  eggs  are 
laid.  They  may  sometimes  be  found  on  the  leaves  as  early  as 
the  first  of  June,  but  do  not  usually  appear  in  considerable 
numbers  till  the  twentieth  of  the  same  month.  How  long  they 
are  in  coming  to  maturity,  I  have  not  particularly  observed ; 
but  the  period  of  their  existence  in  the  caterpillar  state  proba- 
bly does  not  exceed  three  weeks.  They  somewhat  resemble 
the  young  of  the  Saw-fly,  in  form,  but  are  not  quite  so  convex. 
They  have  a  small,  round,  yellowish  head,  with  a  black  dot  on 
each  side  of  it,  and  are  provided  with  twenty-two  short  legs. 
The  body  is  green  above,  paler  at  the  sides,  and  yellowish  be- 
neath ;  and  it  is  soft,  and  almost  transparent,  like  jelly.  The 
skin  of  the  back  is  transversely  wrinkled,  and  covered  with 
minute  elevated  points  ;  and  there  are  two  small,  triple-pointed 
warts  on  the  edge  of  the  first  ring,  immediately  behind  the 
head.  These  gelatinous  and  sluggish  creatures  eat  the  upper 
surface  of  the  leaf  in  large  irregular  patches,  leaving  the  veins 
of  the  skin,  beneath,  untouched  ;  and  they  are  sometimes  so 
2&»^ 


330  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

thick  that  not  a  leaf  on  the  bushes  is  spared  by  them,  and  the 
whole  foliage  looks  as  if  it  had  been  scorched  by  fire,  and  drops 
off  soon  afterwards.  They  cast  their  skins  several  times,  leav- 
ing them  extended  and  fastened  on  the  leaves ;  after  the  last 
moulting,  they  lose  their  semi-transparent  and  greenish  color, 
and  acquire  an  opaque  yellowish  hue.  They  then  leave  the 
rose-bushes,  some  of  them  slowly  creeping  down  the  stem,  and 
others  rolling  up  and  dropping  off,  especially  when  the  bushes 
are  shaken  by  the  wind.  Having  reached  the  ground,  they 
burrow  to  the  depth  of  an  inch  or  more  in  the  earth,  where 
each  one  makes  for  itself  a  small  oval  cell,  of  grains  of  earth, 
cemented  with  a  little  gummy  silk.  Having  finished  their 
transformations,  and  turned  to  flies,  within  their  cells,  they 
come  out  of  the  ground  early  in  August,  and  lay  their  eggs  for 
a  second  brood  of  young.  These,  in  turn,  perform  their  ap- 
pointed work  of  destruction  in  the  autumn.  They  then  go 
into  the  ground,  make  their  earthen  cells,  remain  therein 
throughout  the  winter,  and  appear,  in  the  winged  form,  in  the 
following  spring  and  summer. 

"  During  several  years  past  these  pernicious  vermin  have 
infested  the  rose-bushes  in  the  vicinity  of  Boston,  and  have 
proved  so  injurious  to  them  as  to  have  excited  the  attention  of 
the  Massachusetts  Horticultural  Society,  by  whom  a  premium 
of  SI 00,  for  the  most  successful  mode  of  destroying  these  in- 
sects, was  offered,  in  the  summer  of  1S40.  About  ten  years 
ago  I  observed  them  in  gardens  at  Cambridge,  and  then 
made  myself  acquainted  with  their  transformations.  At  that 
time  they  had  not  reached  Milton,  my  former  place  of  resi- 
dence, and  have  appeared  in  that  place  only  within  two  or 
three  years.  They  now  seem  to  be  gradually  extending  in  all 
directions,  and  an  effectual  method  for  preserving  our  roses 
from  their  attacks  has  become  very  desirable  to  all  persons  who 
set  any  value  on  this  beautiful  ornament  of  our  gardens  and 
shrubberies.  Showering  or  syringing  the  bushes  with  a  liquor, 
made  by  mixing  with  water  the  juice  expressed  from  tobacco 
by  tobacconists,  has  been   recommended  ;  but  some  caution  is 


INSECTS.  sal 

necessary  in  making  this  mixture  of  a  proper  strength,  for,  if  too 
strong,  it  is  injurious  to  the  plants ;  and  the  experiment  does 
not  seem,  as  yet,  to  have  been  conducted  with  sufficient  care  to 
insure  safety  and  success.  Dusting  lime  over  the  plants  when 
wet  with  dew  has  been  tried,  and  found  of  some  use  ;  but  this 
and  all  other  remedies  will  probably  yield  in  efficacy  to  Mr. 
Haggerston's  mixture  of  whale-oil  soap  and  water,  in  the  pro- 
portion of  two  pounds  of  the  soap  to  fifteen  gallons  of  water. 
Particular  directions,  drawn  up  by  Mr.  Haggerston  himself,  for 
the  preparation  and  use  of  this  simple  and  cheap  application, 
may  be  found  in  the  '  Boston  Courier,'  for  the  25th  of  June, 
1841,  and  also  in  most  of  our  agricultural  and  horticultural 
journals  of  the  same  time.  The  utility  of  this  mixture  has 
already  been  repeatedly  mentioned  in  this  treatise,  and  it  may 
be  applied  in  other  cases  with  advantage.  Mr.  Haggerston 
finds  that  it  effectually  destroys  many  kinds  of  insects  ;  and  he 
particularly  mentions  plant-lice  of  various  kinds,  red  spiders, 
canker-worms,  and  a  little  jumping  insect,  which  has  lately 
been  found  quite  as  hurtful  to  rose-bushes  as  the  slugs  or  young 
of  the  Saw-fly,  The  little  insect,  alluded  to,  has  been  mis- 
taken for  a  species  of  Thrips,  or  vine-fretter ;  it  is,  however,  a 
leaf-hopper,  or  species  of  Tettigonia,  much  smaller  than  the 
leaf-hopper  of  the  grape-vine  {Tettigonia  vitis),  described  in  a 
former  part  of  this  essay,  and,  like  the  leaf-hopper  of  the  bean, 
entirely  of  a  pale-green  color." 

"To  M.  P.  Wildfr,  Esq.,  President  of  the  3Iassachusetts  Horticultu- 
ral Society  : 

"Sir,  —  Having  discovered  a  cheap  and  effectual  mode  of  destroying 
the  Rose  Slug,  I  wish  to  become  a  competitor  for  the  premium  offered  by 
the  Massachusetts  Horticultural  Society.  After  very  many  satisfactory 
experiments  with  the  following  substance,  I  am  convinced  it  will  destroy 
the  above  insect,  in  either  of  the  states  in  which  it  appears  on  the  plant, 
as  the  fly,  when  it  is  laying  its  eggs,  or  as  the  slug,  when  it  is  commit- 
ting its  depredations  on  the  foliage. 

"  Whale  Oil  Soap,  dissolved  at  the  rate  of  two  pounds  to  fifteen  gal- 
lons of  water.  I  have  used  it  stronger,  without  injury  to  the  plants,  but 
find  the  above  mixture  effectual  in  the  destruction  of  the  insect.     As  I 


332  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

find,  from  experiments,  there  is  a  difference  in  the  strength  of  the  soap, 
it  will  be  better  for  persons  using  it,  to  try  it  diluted  as  above,  and  if  it 
does  not  kill  the  insect,  add  a  little  more  soap,  with  caution.  In  corre- 
sponding w^ith  Messrs.  Downer,  Austin  &  Co. ,  on  the  difference  in  its  ap- 
pearance, they  say  :  '  Whale  Oil  Soap  varies  much  in  its  relative  strength, 
the  article  not  being  made  as  soap,  but  being  formed  in  our  process  of 
bleaching  oil.  When  it  is  of  very  sharp  taste,  and  dark  appearance,  the 
alkali  predominates  ;  and  when  light-colored  and  flat  taste,  the  gi-ease 
predominates.'  The  former  I  have  generallj'  used,  but  have  tried  the 
light-colored,  and  find  it  equally  effectual,  but  requiring  a  little  more 
soap,  — say  two  pounds  to  thii'teeu  gallons  of  water. 

"Mode  of  Preparation.  — Take  whatever  quantity  of  soap  you  wish  to 
prepare,  and  dissolve  it  in  boiling  water,  about  one  quart  to  a  pound ;  in 
this  way  strain  it  through  a  fine  Avire  or  hair  sieve,  which  takes  out  the 
dirt,  and  prevents  its  stopping  the  valves  of  the  engine,  or  the  nose  of  the 
syringe ;  then  add  cold  water,  to  make  it  the  proper  strength ;  apply  it  to 
the  rose-bush  with  a  hand-engine  or  syringe,  with  as  much  force  as  prac- 
ticable, and  be  sure  that  every  pai't  of  the  leaves  is  well  saturated  with  the 
liquid.  What  falls  to  the  ground,  in  application,  will  do  good  in  destroy- 
ing the  worms  and  enriching  the  soil,  and,  from  its  ti'ifling  cost,  it  can  be 
used  with  profusion.  A  hogshead  of  136  gallons  costs  forty-five  cents, — 
not  quite  four  mill^  per  gallon.  Early  in  the  morning,  or  in  the  even- 
ing, is  the  proper  time  to  apply  it  to  the  plants. 

"As  there  are  many  other  troublesome  and  destructive  insects  the 
above  preparation  will  destroy,  as  effectvially  as  the  Rose  Slug,  it  may  be 
of  benefit  to  the  community  to  know  the  different  kinds  upon  which  I  have 
tried  it  with  success. 

"  The  Thrips,  often  called  the  Vine-Fretter,  —  a  small,  light-colored 
or  spotted  fly,  quick  in  motion,  which,  in  some  places,  are  making  the 
rose-bush  nearly  as  bad  in  appearance  as  the  effects  of  the  Slug.  Aphis, 
or  Plant  Louse,  under  the  name  of  Green  or  Brown  Fly;  an  insect  not 
quick  in  motion,  very  abundant  on,  and  destructive  to,  the  young  shoots 
of  the  Rose,  the  Peach  Tree,  and  many  other  plants.  The  Black  Fly,  a 
very  troublesome  and  destructive  insect,  that  infests  the  young  shoots  of  the 
Cherry  and  the  Snowball  Tree.  I  have  never  known  any  positive  cure  for 
the  effects  of  this  insect,  until  this  time.  Two  varieties  of  insects  that  are 
destructive  to,  and  very  much  disfigure,  Evergreens,  the  Balsam  or  Balm 
of  Gilead  Fir  in  particular,  one  an  Aphis,  the  other  very  much  like  the 
Rose  Slug.  The  Acarus,  or  Red  Spider,  that  well-known  pest  to  gar- 
deners. 

"  The  disease  J^f/Zcfeu!,  on  the  Gooseberry,  Peach,  Grape  Vine,  &c.,  &c., 
is  checked  and  entirely  destroyed  by  a  weak  dressing  of  the  solution. 
"  The  above  insects  are  generally  all  destroyed  by  one  application,  if 


INSECTS.  333 

properly  applied  to  all  parts  of  the  foliage.     The  eggs  of  most  insects 
continue  to  hatch  in  rotation,  during  their  season.     To  keep  the  plants 
perfectly  clean,  it  will  be  necessary  to  dress  them  two  or  three  times. 
"I  remain,  Sir, 

"  Your  most  obedient  Servant, 

"DAVID  HAGGERSTON. 
"Watertown,  June  I9th,  1841." 

The  Rose  Bug. —  "The  Rose-chafer,  or  Rose-bug-,  as  it  is 
more  commonly  and  incorrectly  called,  is  also  a  diurnal  insect. 
It  is  the  Melolontha  stibspinosa  of  Fabricius,  by  whom  it  was  first 
described,  and  belongs  to  the  modern  genus  Macrodactylus  of 
Latreille.  Common  as  this  insect  is  in  the  vicinity  of  Boston, 
it  is,  or  was  a  few  years  ago,  unknown  in  the  northern  and 
western  parts  of  Massachusetts,  in  New  Hampshire,  and  in 
Maine.  It  may,  therefore,  be  well  to  give  a  brief  description 
of  it.  This  beetle  measures  seven  twentieths  of  an  inch  in 
length.  Its  body  is  slender,  tapers  before  and  behind,  and  is 
entirely  covered  with  very  short  and  close  ashen-yellow  down. 
The  thorax  is  long  and  narrow,  angularly  widened  in  the  mid- 
dle of  each  side,  which  suggested  the  name  subspinosa,  or 
somewhat  spined ;  the  legs  are  slender,  and  of  a  pale-red  color ; 
the  joints  of  the  feet  are  tipped  with  black,  and  are  very  long, 
which  caused  Latreille  to  call  the  genus  Macrodactylus,  that  is, 
long  toe,  or  long  foot.  The  natural  history  of  the  Rose-chafer, 
one  of  the  greatest  scourges  with  which  our  gardens  and  nur- 
series have  been  afflicted,  was  for  a  long  time  involved  in  mys- 
tery, but  is  at  last  fully  cleared  up.  The  prevalence  of  this 
insect  on  the  rose,  and  its  annual  appearance  coinciding  with 
the  blossoming  of  that  flower,  have  gained  for  it  the  popular 
name  by  which  it  is  here  known.  For  some  time  after  they 
Avere  first  noticed,  Rose-bugs  appeared  to  be  confined  to  their 
favorite,  the  blossoms  of  the  rose  ;  but  within  thirty  years  they 
have  prodigiously  increased  in  number,  have  attacked  at  ran- 
dom various  kinds  of  plants,  in  swarms,  and  have  become  no- 
torious for  their  extensive  and  deplorable  ravages.  The  grape- 
vine in  particular,  the  cherry,  plum,  and  apple  trees,  have 
Annually  suffered  by  their  depredations.      Many  other  fruit 


3^  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

trees  and  shrubs,  garden  vegetables  and  corn,  and  even  the 
trees  of  the  forest  and  the  grass  of  the  fields,  have  been  laid 
under  contribution  by  these  indiscriminate  feeders,  by  whom 
leaves,  flowers,  and  fruits,  are  alike  consumed.  The  unex- 
pected arrival  of  these  insects  in  swarms,  at  their  first  coming, 
and  their  sudden  disappearance,  at  the  close  of  their  career,  are 
remarkable  facts  in  their  history.  They  come  forth  from  the 
ground  during  the  second  week  in  June,  or  about  the  time  of 
the  blossoming  of  the  Damask  Rose,  and  remain  from  thirty  to 
forty  days.  At  the  end  of  this  period  the  males  become  ex- 
hausted, fall  to  the  ground,  and  perish,  while  the  females  enter 
the  earth,  lay  their  eggs,  return  to  the  surface,  and,  after  linger- 
ing a  few  days,  die  also.  The  eggs  laid  by  each  female  are 
about  thirty  in  number,  and  are  deposited  from  one  to  four 
inches  beneath  the  surface  of  the  soil.  They  are  nearly  glob- 
ular, whitish,  and  about  one  thirtieth  of  an  inch  in  diameter, 
and  are  hatched  twenty  days  after  they  are  laid.  The  young 
larvae  begin  to  fepd  on  such  tender  roots  as  are  within  their 
reach.  Like  other  grubs  of  the  Scarabaeians,  when  not  eating, 
they  lie  upon  the  side,  with  the  bgdy  curved  so  that  the  head 
and  tail  are  nearly  in  contact.  They  move  with  difficulty  on  a 
level  surface,  and  are  continually  falling  over  on  one  side 
or  the  other.  They  attain  their  full  size  in  the  autumn,  being 
then  nearly  three  quarters  of  an  inch  long,  and  about  an  eighth 
of  an  inch  in  diameter.  They  are  of  a  yellowish-white  color, 
with  a  tinge  of  blue  towards  the  hinder  extremity,  which  is 
thick  and  obtuse,  or  rounded  ;  a  few  short  hairs  are  scattered 
on  the  surface  of  the  bod\^;  there  are  six  short  legs,  namely,  a 
pair  to  each  of  the  first  three  rings  behind  the  head ;  and  the 
latter  is  covered  with  a  horny  shell  of  a  pale  rust  color.  In 
October  they  descend  below  the  reach  of  frost,  and  pass  the 
winter  in  a  torpid  state.  In  the  spring  they  approach  towards 
the  surface,  and  each  one  forms  for  itself  a  little  cell,  of  an  oval 
shape,  by  turning  round  a  great  many  times,  so  as  to  compress 
the  earth  and  render  the  inside  of  the  cavity  hard  and  smooth. 
Within  this  cell  the  grub  is  transformed  to  a  pupa,  during  the 


INSECTS.  335 

month  of  May,  by  casting  off  its  skin,  which  is  pushed  down- 
wards in  folds  from  the  head  to  the  tail.  The  pupa  has  some- 
what the  form  of  the  perfected  beetle ;  but  it  is  of  a  yellowish- 
white  color,  and  its  short  stump-like  wings,  its  antennae,  and  its 
legs,  are  folded  upon  the  breast,  and  its  whole  body  is  enclosed 
in  a  thin  film,  that  wraps  each  part  separately.  During  the 
month  of  June  this  filmy  skin  is  rent,  the  included  beetle  with- 
draws from  it  its  body  and  its  limbs,  bursts  open  its  earthen  cell, 
and  digs  its  way  to  the  surface  of  the  ground.  Thus  the  va- 
rious changes,  from  the  egg  to  the  full  development  of  the  per- 
fected beetle,  are  completed  within  the  space  of  one  year. 

"  Such  being  the  metamorphoses  and  habits  of  these  insects, 
it  is  evident  that  we  cannot  attack  them  in  the  egg,  the  grub, 
or  the  pupa  state  ;  the  enemy,  in  these  stages,  is  beyond  our 
reach,  and  is  subject  to  the  control  only  of  the  natural  but  un- 
known means  appointed  by  the  Author  of  Nature  to  keep  the 
insect  tribes  in  check.  When  they  have  issued  from  their  sub- 
terranean retreats,  and  have  congregated  upon  our  vines,  trees, 
and  other  vegetable  productions,  in  the  complete  enjoyment  of 
their  propensities,  we  must  iipite  our  efforts  to  seize  and  crush 
the  invaders.  They  must  indeed  be  crushed,  scalded,  or 
burned,  to  deprive  them  of  life,  for  they  are  not  affected  by  any 
of  the  applications  usually  found  destructive  to  other  insects. 
Experience  has  proved  the  utility  of  gathering  them  by  hand, 
or  of  shaking  them  or  brushing  them  from  the  plants  into  tin 
vessels  containing  a  little  water.  They  should  be  collected 
daily  during  the  period  of  their  visitation,  and  should  be  com- 
mitted to  the  flames,  or  killed  by  scalding  water.  The  late 
John  Lowell,  Esq.,  states  that,  in  1823,  he  discovered,  on  a 
solitary  apple-tree,  the  Rose-bugs  '  in  vast  numbers,  such  as 
could  not  be  described,  and  would  not  be  believed  if  they  were 
described  ;  or,  at  least,  none  but  an  ocular  witness  could  con- 
ceive of  their  numbers.  Destruction  by  hand  was  out  of  the 
question,'  in  this  case.  He  put  sheets  under  the  tree,  and 
shook  them  down,  and  burned  them.  Dr.  Green,  of  Mansfield, 
whose  investigations  have  thrown  much  light  on  the  history  of 


336  breck's  book  of  flowers. 

this  insect,  proposes  protecting  plants  with  millinet,  and  says 
that  in  this  way  only  did  he  succeed  in  securing  his  grape- 
vines from  depredation.  His  remarks  also  show  the  utility  of 
gathering  them.  '  Eighty-six  of  these  spoilers,'  says  he,  '  were 
known  to  infest  a  single  rose-bud,  and  were  crushed  with  one 
grasp  of  the  hand.'  Suppose,  as  was  probably  the  case,  that 
one  half  of  them  were  females;  by  this  destruction,  eight  hun- 
dred eggs,  at  least,  were  prevented  from  becoming  matured. 
During  the  time  of  their  prevalence,  Rose-bugs  are  sometimes 
found  in  immense  numbers  on  the  flowers  of  the  common  white- 
weed,  or  ox-eye  daisy,  [Chrysanthemun  leucanthemum,)  a  worth- 
less plant,  which  has  come  to  us  from  Europe,  and  has  been 
sufTered  to  overrun  our  pastures,  and  encroach  on  our  mowing 
lands.  In  certain  cases  it  may  become  expedient  rapidly  to 
mow  down  the  infested  white-weed  in  dry  pastures,  and  con- 
sume it,  with  the  sluggish  Rose-bugs,  on  the  spot. 

"  Our  insect-eating  birds  undoubtedly  devour  many  of  these 
insects,  and  deserve  to  be  cherished  and  protected  for  their  ser- 
vices. Rose-bugs  are  also  eaten  greedily  by  domesticated  fowls  ; 
and  when  they  become  exhausted  and  fall  to  the  ground,  or 
when  they  are  about  to  lay  their  eggs,  they  are  destroyed  by 
moles,  insects,  and  other  animals,  which  lie  in  wait  to  seize 
them.  Dr.  Green  informs  us,  that  a  species  of  dragon-fly,  or 
devil's  needle,  devours  them.  He  also  says  that  an  insect, 
which  he  calls  the  enemy  of  the  Cut-worm,  probably  the  larva 
of  a  Carabus  or  predaceous  Ground-beetle,  preys  on  the  grubs 
of  the  common  Dorbug.  In  France,  the  Golden  Ground  Bee- 
tle [Carabus  auratus)  devours  the  female  Dor,  or  Chafer,  at 
the  moment  when  she  is  about  to  deposit  her  eggs.  I  have 
taken  one  specimen  of  this  fine  Ground-Beetle  in  Massachu- 
setts, and  we  have  several  other  kinds,  equally  predaceous, 
which  probably  contribute  to  check  the  increase  of  our  native 
Melolonthians." 


Ljbi-ary 
N.   0.   State    Coilecre 


